What physical sign indicates engorgement in the breasts?

What physical sign indicates engorgement in the breasts?

• A. Breasts feeling cool to touch
• B. Breasts appearing normal
• C. Breasts feeling hard and shiny
• D. Breasts with decreased sensitivity

Answer: (C)

Engorgement is a condition that occurs when the breasts become overly full with milk, leading to increased pressure and swelling. The physical sign that indicates engorgement involves the breasts feeling hard and shiny. This firmness is due to the excess milk, which stretches the skin, causing it to have a taut appearance. Additionally, the shiny appearance can be attributed to the increased tension on the skin, reflecting the volume of milk present and the surrounding tissues being slightly inflamed. In contrast, the other options do not accurately denote engorgement. Breasts feeling cool to touch might indicate insufficient blood flow or other issues, rather than engorgement. If the breasts appear normal, this suggests that they are not currently engorged or overly full. Finally, breasts with decreased sensitivity may indicate a lack of nerve response or other complications, but do not specifically reflect the state of engorgement, which is characterized by sensitivity and discomfort due to fullness. Understanding these signs is crucial for lactation consultants in assessing and addressing breastfeeding challenges.

Engorgement is a condition that occurs when the breasts become overly full with milk, leading to increased pressure and swelling. The physical sign that indicates engorgement involves the breasts feeling hard and shiny. This firmness is due to the excess milk, which stretches the skin, causing it to have a taut appearance. Additionally, the shiny appearance can be attributed to the increased tension on the skin, reflecting the volume of milk present and the surrounding tissues being slightly inflamed.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately denote engorgement. Breasts feeling cool to touch might indicate insufficient blood flow or other issues, rather than engorgement. If the breasts appear normal, this suggests that they are not currently engorged or overly full. Finally, breasts with decreased sensitivity may indicate a lack of nerve response or other complications, but do not specifically reflect the state of engorgement, which is characterized by sensitivity and discomfort due to fullness. Understanding these signs is crucial for lactation consultants in assessing and addressing breastfeeding challenges.