Mastitis Nursing Care Plan
& Management
Description
1. Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue that is usually
caused by infection or by states of milk in the ducts.
2. An epidemic mastitis infection is derived from a nosocomial
source, usually S. auras, and localizes in the lactiferous
glands and ducts.
3. An endemic mastitis infection occurs randomly and
localizes in the peri glandular connective tissue.
4. Mastitis infections are largely preventable by prophylactic
measures, such as good breast hygiene.
Aetiology
▪ Injury to the breast is the primary predisposing factor (e.g.,
overdistention, stasis, or cracking of nipples).
Pathophysiology
1. The exact cause of stasis of milk in the ducts is not known.
,2. However, missed feedings, a bra that is too tight, or
impaired infant suckling are contributory factors.
3. Introduction of an infections organism from either the
mother’s hands following improper washing or from the
infant’s mouth is also contributory.
4. In addition, cracked, blistered nipples allow a port of entry
for infectious agents.
Assessment Findings
▪ Because symptoms usually do not occur until the third or
fourth postpartum week (or even months later), teach the
client to recognize signs and symptoms of mastitis and to
report them to her nurse or physician. Clinical
manifestations include:
1. Elevated temperature, chills, general aching, malaise, and
localized pain
2. Increased pulse rate
3. Engorgement, hardness, and reddening of the breasts
4. Nipple soreness and fissures
5. Swollen and tender axillary lymph nodes
Nursing Management
1. Promote resolution of the infectious process.
▪ Observe for elevated temperature, chills, tachycardia,
headache, pain and tenderness, firmness, and redness of the
breast.
▪ Administer antibiotics, and explain importance of following
through with the prescribed regimen even when symptoms
subside.
▪ Offer comfort measures, such as small side pillows, icecaps,
or heat application over localized abscess.
2. Provide client and family teaching.
▪ Explain how to prevent infection through meticulous
handwashing and prompt attention to blocked milk ducts.
▪ Encourage the mother to do the following.
, ▪ Breast feed frequently
▪ Perform adequate breast and nipple care (e.g., adequate
around-the-clock nonconstructive support of the breast,
gentleness during care, avoidance of harsh cleansing
agents and defrosting the nipple, frequent breast pad
changes, and intermittent exposure of nipples to the air)
▪ Recognize the signs and symptoms of infection.
Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
Ineffective Tissue Perfusion: Decreased in the oxygen resulting in the failure
to nourish the tissues at the capillary level.
May be related to
▪ Hypovolemia (a decreased volume of circulating blood in the body).
Possibly evidenced by
▪ Diminished arterial pulsations, cold extremities.
▪ Decreased capillary refill.
▪ Decreased milk production.
▪ Changes in the vital signs.
▪ Changes in the neurologic status.
Desired Outcomes
▪ Patient will demonstrate blood pressure, pulse, arterial blood gasses
(ABGs), and Haematocrit/haemoglobin level within the expected range.
▪ Patient will demonstrate normal hormonal functioning by adequate milk
supply for lactation (as appropriate) and resumption of
normal menstruation.
Nursing Interventions Rationale
Extent of pituitary involvement may be
related to the degree and duration
Monitor vital signs closely; record the of hypotension. A respiratory difficulty
degree and duration of any hypovolemic may indicate an effort to combat
episodes. metabolic acidosis.
With the vasoconstriction
Observe the colour of the nail beds, gums,
compensation and shunting to vital
tongue and buccal mucosa; Note the
organs, circulation in the peripheral
temperature of the skin.
blood vessels is diminished, resulting
& Management
Description
1. Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue that is usually
caused by infection or by states of milk in the ducts.
2. An epidemic mastitis infection is derived from a nosocomial
source, usually S. auras, and localizes in the lactiferous
glands and ducts.
3. An endemic mastitis infection occurs randomly and
localizes in the peri glandular connective tissue.
4. Mastitis infections are largely preventable by prophylactic
measures, such as good breast hygiene.
Aetiology
▪ Injury to the breast is the primary predisposing factor (e.g.,
overdistention, stasis, or cracking of nipples).
Pathophysiology
1. The exact cause of stasis of milk in the ducts is not known.
,2. However, missed feedings, a bra that is too tight, or
impaired infant suckling are contributory factors.
3. Introduction of an infections organism from either the
mother’s hands following improper washing or from the
infant’s mouth is also contributory.
4. In addition, cracked, blistered nipples allow a port of entry
for infectious agents.
Assessment Findings
▪ Because symptoms usually do not occur until the third or
fourth postpartum week (or even months later), teach the
client to recognize signs and symptoms of mastitis and to
report them to her nurse or physician. Clinical
manifestations include:
1. Elevated temperature, chills, general aching, malaise, and
localized pain
2. Increased pulse rate
3. Engorgement, hardness, and reddening of the breasts
4. Nipple soreness and fissures
5. Swollen and tender axillary lymph nodes
Nursing Management
1. Promote resolution of the infectious process.
▪ Observe for elevated temperature, chills, tachycardia,
headache, pain and tenderness, firmness, and redness of the
breast.
▪ Administer antibiotics, and explain importance of following
through with the prescribed regimen even when symptoms
subside.
▪ Offer comfort measures, such as small side pillows, icecaps,
or heat application over localized abscess.
2. Provide client and family teaching.
▪ Explain how to prevent infection through meticulous
handwashing and prompt attention to blocked milk ducts.
▪ Encourage the mother to do the following.
, ▪ Breast feed frequently
▪ Perform adequate breast and nipple care (e.g., adequate
around-the-clock nonconstructive support of the breast,
gentleness during care, avoidance of harsh cleansing
agents and defrosting the nipple, frequent breast pad
changes, and intermittent exposure of nipples to the air)
▪ Recognize the signs and symptoms of infection.
Ineffective Tissue Perfusion
Ineffective Tissue Perfusion: Decreased in the oxygen resulting in the failure
to nourish the tissues at the capillary level.
May be related to
▪ Hypovolemia (a decreased volume of circulating blood in the body).
Possibly evidenced by
▪ Diminished arterial pulsations, cold extremities.
▪ Decreased capillary refill.
▪ Decreased milk production.
▪ Changes in the vital signs.
▪ Changes in the neurologic status.
Desired Outcomes
▪ Patient will demonstrate blood pressure, pulse, arterial blood gasses
(ABGs), and Haematocrit/haemoglobin level within the expected range.
▪ Patient will demonstrate normal hormonal functioning by adequate milk
supply for lactation (as appropriate) and resumption of
normal menstruation.
Nursing Interventions Rationale
Extent of pituitary involvement may be
related to the degree and duration
Monitor vital signs closely; record the of hypotension. A respiratory difficulty
degree and duration of any hypovolemic may indicate an effort to combat
episodes. metabolic acidosis.
With the vasoconstriction
Observe the colour of the nail beds, gums,
compensation and shunting to vital
tongue and buccal mucosa; Note the
organs, circulation in the peripheral
temperature of the skin.
blood vessels is diminished, resulting
