A client has hypocalcemia caused by a parathyroid hormone deficiency. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to this client?

Choice A rationale:

Erythromycin ointment does not have moisturizing properties. Its primary purpose is to prevent bacterial infection, not to provide moisture to the eyes.

While some ointments may have a slight moisturizing effect, this is not the main reason for using erythromycin ointment in newborns.

If moisture is the primary concern, other products specifically designed to lubricate the eyes would be more appropriate.

Choice B rationale:

Chemical conjunctivitis is typically caused by exposure to irritants such as chlorine in swimming pools or strong chemicals. Erythromycin ointment is not effective in preventing chemical conjunctivitis.

In fact, it could potentially worsen the irritation if used in cases of chemical conjunctivitis.

If chemical conjunctivitis is suspected, flushing the eyes with water or saline solution and seeking medical attention would be the appropriate course of action.

Choice D rationale:

Erythromycin ointment is an antibiotic, but it is not typically used to treat active infections in newborns.

If a newborn has a suspected eye infection, a healthcare provider would likely prescribe a different antibiotic eye drop or ointment that is more effective in treating the specific infection.

However, erythromycin ointment can be used as a prophylactic measure to prevent eye infections, which is why it is commonly administered to newborns shortly after birth.

Choice C rationale:

Erythromycin ointment is primarily used to prevent eye infections in newborns.

It is effective against a variety of bacteria that can cause conjunctivitis, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae (the bacteria that causes gonorrhea) and Chlamydia trachomatis (the bacteria that causes chlamydia).

These bacteria can be passed from the mother to the baby during childbirth, and if left untreated, they can cause serious eye infections that can lead to vision loss.

By applying erythromycin ointment to the newborn's eyes shortly after birth, the risk of these infections can be significantly reduced.

Choice A rationale:

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is a thionamide medication that inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It is the preferred drug for presurgical treatment of Graves' disease because it effectively lowers thyroid hormone levels and reduces the risk of thyroid storm, a life-threatening complication that can occur during or after surgery.

PTU acts by blocking the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. It also inhibits the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), the more active form of thyroid hormone. This results in a decrease in circulating levels of both T4 and T3, leading to a reduction in the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

PTU is typically started at a dose of 100-300 mg daily, divided into two or three doses. The dose is then adjusted based on the patient's response and thyroid hormone levels. The goal of treatment is to achieve a euthyroid state, which means that the thyroid hormone levels are within the normal range.

PTU is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects, including skin rash, itching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint pain, and hair loss. In rare cases, it can also cause serious side effects, such as liver damage and agranulocytosis (a decrease in white blood cells).

Choice B rationale:

Liotrix (Thyrolar) is a combination of synthetic T4 and T3 hormones. It is not used for presurgical treatment of Graves' disease because it can worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Choice C rationale:

Propranolol (Inderal) is a beta-blocker medication that can be used to control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as tachycardia, tremor, and anxiety. However, it does not lower thyroid hormone levels and is not used for presurgical treatment of Graves' disease.

Choice D rationale:

Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid) is a synthetic T4 hormone. It is used to treat hypothyroidism, but it is not used for presurgical treatment of Graves' disease.