Basic Care and ComfortQuestion 2019 of 2368

A breastfeeding client has fever, chills, and a hot, painful, reddened area on one breast. Which instruction should the nurse give?

  1. Stop breastfeeding until the infection has cleared.
  2. Wear a tight bra for constant breast support.
  3. Feed the infant every two to three hours to empty the breasts.
  4. Limit fluids to decrease milk production.
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Correct answer: Feed the infant every two to three hours to empty the breasts.

Frequent feedings empty the breasts and help avoid engorgement. The nurse also notifies the provider about suspected mastitis.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Postpartum Care: Mastitis. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Basic Care and Comfort"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026