A nurse in a prenatal clinic is teaching a group of clients about nutrition requirements during lactation. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice a reason:
Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that results in pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. The symptoms of mastitis typically include breast tenderness, redness on the skin, breast pain, and sometimes fever and malaise. While the client's breasts are described as hard and warm, which could be associated with mastitis, the absence of other key symptoms such as fever or flu-like symptoms suggests that mastitis may not be the issue here.

Choice b reason:
Three days postpartum, it is normal for the fundus to be below the umbilicus and for lochia rubra to be present. The hardness and warmth of the breasts could be due to milk coming in, which is also a normal postpartum change. Without additional symptoms of concern, such as fever, severe pain, or signs of infection, it is reasonable to conclude that no additional interventions are required at this time.

Choice c reason:
Removing a nursing bra can provide comfort, especially if it is too tight and contributing to breast engorgement or clogged ducts. However, there is no indication that the client's nursing bra is causing an issue. Nursing bras are designed to support the breasts during breastfeeding and typically do not need to be removed unless they are causing specific problems.

Choice d reason:
Applying a heating pad can help with milk let-down and relieve discomfort from engorgement or clogged ducts. However, since the client is not exhibiting signs of mastitis or severe engorgement, and the warmth of the breasts may be due to normal postpartum changes, the application of a heating pad is not necessarily indicated at this time.

Choice a reason:
Mongolian spots are a type of pigmented birthmark commonly found in newborns, often appearing as blue or grayish areas on the skin. They are not related to swelling and do not result from vacuum-assisted deliveries. Mongolian spots are usually located on the buttocks or lower back and are not associated with the type of swelling described by the mother.

Choice b reason:
Caput succedaneum is a condition where the newborn's scalp swells due to pressure during delivery. It is characterized by a soft, spongy mass that crosses suture lines and is most apparent on the part of the skull that was first to enter the birth canal. This condition is common in vacuum-assisted deliveries and is the correct explanation for the swelling observed on the newborn's head.

Choice c reason:
Erythema toxicum is a common and benign skin condition in newborns, presenting as red patches or small, fluid-filled bumps. It is not related to the swelling described and does not result from vacuum-assisted deliveries. Erythema toxicum typically resolves on its own and does not cause the type of swelling that crosses suture lines.

Choice d reason:
Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between a newborn's scalp and the skull bone that results from ruptured blood vessels, which can be a result of birth trauma or pressure. However, it is typically confined to one area and does not cross suture lines. Since the swelling described by the mother crosses the suture lines, cephalohematoma is less likely to be the correct diagnosis.