All of the following nursing measures are to prevent breast engorgement during puerparium except:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

Decreasing fluid intake is a harmful myth and is contraindicated for a lactating mother.
Lactation requires adequate maternal hydration to maintain milk production. Restricting fluids can lead to dehydration and may decrease milk supply.
Breast engorgement is caused by vascular congestion and milk stasis, not by the mother's fluid intake.
The focus of management should be on efficient milk removal and reducing inflammation, not on dehydrating the mother.

Option A: This is a primary and highly effective measure to prevent breast engorgement.
Option B: This is a valid feeding strategy to ensure complete emptying of the breast and help regulate milk supply.
Option C: This is a recommended comfort measure for managing breast engorgement.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Management and prevention of breast engorgement during the puerperium helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Properly managing and preventing breast engorgement is crucial for maternal comfort and the continuation of breastfeeding.
Failure to manage engorgement can lead to complications such as plugged ducts, mastitis (breast infection), and decreased milk supply, potentially leading to premature cessation of breastfeeding.
Nurses play a key role in educating new mothers about correct breastfeeding techniques and dispelling common myths, such as fluid restriction.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the question type. This is a negative-stem question using the word 'except'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a correct nursing measure.
Next, recall the pathophysiology of breast engorgement. It's caused by increased blood supply and milk accumulation (stasis), not by fluid overload.
Evaluate each option based on the principles of lactation management.
Option A (frequent feeding) directly addresses milk stasis by promoting regular emptying of the breasts. This is a correct measure.
Option B (feeding from one breast) is a technique to ensure complete emptying and manage milk supply. This is a plausible correct measure.
Option C (supportive bra) provides comfort and support for heavy, painful breasts. This is a correct comfort measure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Management and prevention of breast engorgement during the puerperium.
Stem keywords: nursing measures, prevent, breast engorgement, puerparium
Lead-in keywords: except
Negative lead-in flag: This is a negative-lead-in question, asking for the exception.

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E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 456-458

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 51-70

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 66-81

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.