Mastitis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following is the most common cause of infective lactational mastitis?
A. Escherichia coli
B. Staphylococcus aureus
C. Bacteroides species
D. Corynebacterium species
E. Staphylococcus epidermidis
Answer and topic summary
The answer is B. Staphylococcus aureus
Lactational mastitis presents as a red, painful, swollen breast usually during the first three months of breastfeeding. It commonly results from poor drainage. The most common cause is Staphylococcus aureus. If it develops over 24 hours, patients may also have flu-like symptoms and a fever — this is considered “infective” lactational mastitis.
Treatment includes cold compresses and complete emptying of the breasts. For infective lactational mastitis, antibiotics (e.g., clindamycin, cephalexin, dicloxacillin) should be given. Remember, patients should NOT stop breastfeeding.
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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Reproductive System ⇒ Breast Disorders ⇒ Mastitis
Also covered as part of the Women's Health EOR and Emergency Medicine PAEA EOR topic list
