skip to main content

Cervical cancer screening — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

MediumPreventive MedicineCervical cancer screeningMCCQE Part 1

A woman who is three weeks postpartum and breastfeeding has 36 hours of fever, myalgia, and a hot, tender, wedge-shaped area of erythema on one breast. She is haemodynamically stable, has no fluctuant mass, and her infant is well. She worries that her milk is unsafe and plans to stop feeding abruptly. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Continue breastfeeding, give an appropriate antibiotic, and reassess

The focal inflammatory breast findings plus fever and systemic symptoms are consistent with lactational mastitis. She can usually be treated as an outpatient with an appropriate oral antibiotic, analgesia, hydration, and feeding assessment, with timely reassessment. Breastfeeding is safe and should continue according to maternal comfort; if direct feeding is too painful, milk can be expressed. Abrupt cessation can worsen milk stasis and undermines her feeding goals. Forceful deep massage and excessive pumping can aggravate tissue inflammation. Surgical drainage is reserved for a confirmed collection rather than uncomplicated mastitis. Failure to improve, recurrent disease in the same location, sepsis, or a persistent or fluctuant mass should prompt culture, imaging, and assessment for resistant organisms or abscess.

Reference: Public Health Agency of Canada, Breastfeeding chapter: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/maternity-newborn-care-guidelines-chapter-6.html; Canadian Paediatric Society: https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/healthy-living/weaning_breastfeeding