Abstract
As you begin your shift on the medical-surgical unit, you're surprised to hear the cries of a newborn from one of the patients' rooms. Nancy Wilson was admitted this morning with mastitis, an infection in the glandular tissue of the lactating breast. She delivered her first baby, an 8-pound girl, 10 days ago. You try to recall what you learned in school during your maternity rotation. Your mind searches for fundamental concepts of this specialty practice-how much vaginal bleeding is normal? Can Ms. Wilson continue to nurse her baby with an infection in the breast?