A 35-year-old breastfeeding woman presents with fever and unilateral breast pain. What is the most appropriate response to her regarding her symptoms?

A 35-year-old breastfeeding woman presents with fever and unilateral breast pain. What is the most appropriate response to her regarding her symptoms?

• A. Recommend antibiotic therapy
• B. Refer her to a surgeon
• C. Perform a breast examination to check for a breast abscess
• D. Schedule her for a mammogram

Answer: (C)

The appropriate response to the symptoms presented by the breastfeeding woman involves performing a breast examination to check for a breast abscess. Given her presentation of unilateral breast pain along with fever, these are classic signs of a potential breast infection, such as mastitis, which can lead to the formation of an abscess. By performing a thorough breast examination, the clinician can assess for any localized swelling, tenderness, or fluctuation, which can indicate the presence of an abscess. Early identification of an abscess allows for timely intervention, which may include drainage and appropriate management, improving the patient's outcome. While antibiotic therapy may also be necessary if an infection is confirmed, the immediate priority is to evaluate the breast's condition to determine the correct course of action. Referring her to a surgeon, while possibly warranted if an abscess is large or requires surgical intervention, is not the first step without a proper examination. Scheduling a mammogram is not appropriate in this acute setting, especially considering her symptoms suggest a more immediate issue related to breastfeeding rather than abnormal breast tissue, which a mammogram would typically assess.

The appropriate response to the symptoms presented by the breastfeeding woman involves performing a breast examination to check for a breast abscess. Given her presentation of unilateral breast pain along with fever, these are classic signs of a potential breast infection, such as mastitis, which can lead to the formation of an abscess.

By performing a thorough breast examination, the clinician can assess for any localized swelling, tenderness, or fluctuation, which can indicate the presence of an abscess. Early identification of an abscess allows for timely intervention, which may include drainage and appropriate management, improving the patient's outcome.

While antibiotic therapy may also be necessary if an infection is confirmed, the immediate priority is to evaluate the breast's condition to determine the correct course of action. Referring her to a surgeon, while possibly warranted if an abscess is large or requires surgical intervention, is not the first step without a proper examination. Scheduling a mammogram is not appropriate in this acute setting, especially considering her symptoms suggest a more immediate issue related to breastfeeding rather than abnormal breast tissue, which a mammogram would typically assess.