Breast feeding is contraindicated in one of the following conditions -

Appeared in: UPPSC 2023

Explanation

Galactosemia is a rare genetic metabolic disorder where the infant lacks the enzyme to metabolize galactose, a sugar found in breast milk.
Ingestion of breast milk by an infant with galactosemia leads to a toxic buildup of galactose in the blood.
This toxic accumulation can cause life-threatening complications like liver failure, kidney damage, and brain damage.
Therefore, galactosemia is an absolute contraindication, and these infants require a specialized galactose-free formula.

Option A: Maternal Hepatitis C is not an absolute contraindication. The virus is transmitted through blood, not breast milk.
Option B: Mastitis, an inflammation of the breast, is not a contraindication. In fact, continued breastfeeding is a key part of treatment.
Option C: Maternal Hepatitis B is not a contraindication as long as the infant receives proper prophylaxis at birth.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Contraindications to breastfeeding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary role is to identify contraindications to breastfeeding and provide accurate education to the mother.
For infants with galactosemia, the nurse must ensure the parents understand the critical need for a specialized formula and facilitate access to it.
Nurses play a key role in reassuring and educating mothers with conditions like mastitis or Hepatitis B/C that they can often breastfeed safely with appropriate management.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'contraindications to breastfeeding'.
This is a factual recall question. You need to access your knowledge about which conditions prevent breastfeeding.
Evaluate each option systematically. Consider whether the condition affects the mother or the infant and the mechanism of harm.
Recall that some conditions are absolute contraindications (must stop), while others are relative (can continue with precautions).
Analyze Option A (Hep C): Not a contraindication unless nipples are bleeding.
Analyze Option B (Mastitis): Not a contraindication; breastfeeding is encouraged.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QHDp8mR0btCpsI2SFhUjLC

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 455-457

Practise the full UPPSC 2023

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