Registered Nurse Certified in Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN) Practice Test

Which factor is NOT a common cause of mastitis?

1. Blocked duct

2. Nipple trauma

3. Excessive breastfeeding

4. Poor breastfeeding technique

The correct answer is: Excessive breastfeeding

The presence of excessive breastfeeding as a cause of mastitis is a misconception. Mastitis typically occurs when there is an obstruction in the milk flow, often due to factors such as a blocked duct, nipple trauma, or poor breastfeeding technique, which can lead to milk stasis and an increased risk of infection. In fact, frequent breastfeeding is generally encouraged to help prevent mastitis, as it aids in emptying the breasts and minimizes the likelihood of milk buildup. In contrast, blocked ducts occur when milk is trapped in the breast due to inadequate drainage, nipple trauma can lead to entry points for bacteria, and poor breastfeeding technique may prevent the baby from latching properly, contributing to both insufficient drainage and potential nipple injury. Therefore, excessive breastfeeding is not aligned with the recognized factors that typically lead to mastitis.