The comparative case study of nursing care for postpartum women with breast abscess in the surgical clinic of Bamrasnaradura Institute.

Abstract

      This study aimed to examine nursing care for postpartum women with mastitis and breast abscess, particularly during the breastfeeding period, through a comparison of two case studies treated at the Surgical Outpatient Department, Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute. Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns framework was applied to compare nursing approaches and clinical outcomes.

      The results revealed that both cases presented with breast pain and palpable masses; however, they differed in severity of infection, risk factors, and responses to treatment. Case 1 was a 23-year-old mother, one month postpartum, who developed a large breast abscess requiring surgical drainage, hospitalization, antibiotic therapy, and close follow-up. Case 2 was a 33-year-old mother, three months postpartum, who presented with early-stage mastitis associated with a blocked milk duct; nursing care focused on breastfeeding guidance, milk drainage techniques, symptom monitoring, and psychological support.