On a maternity unit, a client states she cannot breastfeed because nipples are cracked and sore. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Advise stopping breastfeeding and switch to formula
• B. Prescribe antibiotics without assessment
• C. Schedule lactation support but not immediate
• D. Provide lactation support and pain relief strategies

Answer: (D)

Cracked, sore nipples during breastfeeding are a pain signal that if addressed promptly should not derail breastfeeding. The priority is to relieve discomfort while enabling the mother to continue feeding, which means providing immediate lactation support to assess latch and positioning and teaching proper techniques, plus safe pain relief measures.

Lactation support helps correct attachment, ensure the baby is feeding from the correct part of the breast, and address skin care for the nipples. Pairing that with appropriate pain relief—such as safe analgesics for breastfeeding and nonpharmacologic comfort methods (nipple care, proper air exposure, temperature therapy, and gentle breast massage)—allows the mother to continue feeding and reduces the risk of early formula supplementation or cessation.

Delaying help, or opting to start antibiotics without assessment, assumes an infection and unnecessary treatment, while simply scheduling support later misses the opportunity to fix latch and relieve pain now. By combining hands-on lactation guidance with pain relief strategies, the mother can continue breastfeeding effectively while healing.