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Lactational mastitis — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasyOB/GYN (prenatal care, contraception, screening)Lactational mastitisUSMLE Step 3

A 31-year-old woman is 4 days postpartum after vaginal delivery. She has unilateral breast pain, fever, and erythema. She is breastfeeding and wants to continue. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Continue breastfeeding and start antistaphylococcal antibiotics

Lactational mastitis is treated with continued milk removal and antibiotics targeting S aureus when bacterial features are present.

Reference: ACOG breastfeeding and mastitis guidance