What should the practical nurse suggest for care of breasts when the nipples are sore?

What should the practical nurse suggest for care of breasts when the nipples are sore?

• A. Air the nipples as much as possible.
• B. Use a lanolin-based cream after every feeding.
• C. Use plastic-lined breast pads.
• D. Begin nursing with the breast that is most painful.

Answer: (A)

When nipples are sore, the priority is to promote healing by keeping the skin dry and aired out between feeds. Air-drying helps the delicate skin mend after friction, reduces moisture that can irritate cracked tissue, and can prevent fungal growth in a moist environment. A simple, practical approach is to let the nipples be exposed to air after feeding and between tasks so they can dry naturally. Using a lanolin-based cream after every feeding might provide moisture and some relief, but it can also leave a residual film that traps moisture against the skin and potentially delays drying, especially if the skin is already irritated. The goal in this situation is to allow drying first and address any latch or technique issues to prevent ongoing trauma. Plastic-lined breast pads should be avoided because they trap moisture against the skin, increasing irritation and the risk of infection. Beginning nursing with the most painful breast is not ideal because starting on a painful area can heighten discomfort; focus should be on proper latch and comfort, and choosing a routine that minimizes trauma while healing. So, letting the nipples air-dry as much as possible gives the skin the best chance to heal quickly and comfortably.

When nipples are sore, the priority is to promote healing by keeping the skin dry and aired out between feeds. Air-drying helps the delicate skin mend after friction, reduces moisture that can irritate cracked tissue, and can prevent fungal growth in a moist environment. A simple, practical approach is to let the nipples be exposed to air after feeding and between tasks so they can dry naturally.

Using a lanolin-based cream after every feeding might provide moisture and some relief, but it can also leave a residual film that traps moisture against the skin and potentially delays drying, especially if the skin is already irritated. The goal in this situation is to allow drying first and address any latch or technique issues to prevent ongoing trauma.

Plastic-lined breast pads should be avoided because they trap moisture against the skin, increasing irritation and the risk of infection. Beginning nursing with the most painful breast is not ideal because starting on a painful area can heighten discomfort; focus should be on proper latch and comfort, and choosing a routine that minimizes trauma while healing.

So, letting the nipples air-dry as much as possible gives the skin the best chance to heal quickly and comfortably.