Mastitis Quiz: Ace Your Exams

A 28-year-old woman who is 7 weeks postpartum presents to her primary care physician with a 3-day history of increasing pain, redness, and swelling in her right breast. She has been exclusively breastfeeding her infant and recently noted a decrease in milk output from the affected breast. She has not had trauma or recent surgeries. Past medical history is notable for gestational diabetes, which was managed with diet during her pregnancy. She has no known bacterial colonization. Her temperature is 38.4°C (101.1°F), blood pressure is 110/65 mm Hg, pulse is 100/min, respiratory rate is 16/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. Physical examination of the right breast reveals erythema, warmth, and tenderness to palpation noted in the upper outer quadrant. There is no fluctuance. The left breast is normal on examination. There is no axillary lymphadenopathy. Which of the following is the best next step in management?