A nurse is providing teaching for a client who is 2 weeks postpartum and has mastitis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale Feeding from the affected breast is crucial for promoting milk drainage and preventing milk stasis, which can exacerbate mastitis. Emptying the breast, even if painful, helps to clear the blocked ducts and reduce the bacterial load. Discontinuing feeding from the affected breast could lead to engorgement and worsening of the infection, hindering recovery. Choice B rationale Pumping and discarding milk is not recommended for mastitis. The milk from a breast with mastitis is generally safe for the infant, and the act of pumping helps to empty the breast and facilitate drainage, similar to direct breastfeeding. Discarding the milk unnecessarily deprives the infant of nutrition and can contribute to decreased milk supply. Choice C rationale Applying moist heat to the affected breast can significantly alleviate discomfort and promote milk flow by causing vasodilation and encouraging ductal patency. This helps to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and facilitate the drainage of milk from the breast, which is essential for resolving the infection and reducing pain. Choice D rationale Maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall health, especially during lactation. However, a specific fluid intake of exactly 1,500 milliliters per day is not the primary or most effective intervention for mastitis. While hydration supports milk production, the core interventions for mastitis focus on milk drainage, pain management, and often antibiotic therapy.