A father watching the admission of his newborn to the nursery notices that eye ointment is placed in the infant’s eyes. He asks the nurse what is the purpose of the ointment.
The nurse would be correct in stating that the purpose for using the ointment is to:
Clear the infant’s vision.
Dilate the pupil so the red reflex can be visualized.
Prevent herpes infection.
Prevent eye infections.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
The eye ointment used in newborns is not intended to clear the infant’s vision.
Choice B rationale
The purpose of the eye ointment is not to dilate the pupil for visualization of the red reflex.
Choice C rationale
While the ointment does help prevent infections, it is not specifically targeted against herpes.
Choice D rationale
The primary purpose of the eye ointment is to prevent eye infections in newborns. This is particularly important as mothers who have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can pass it to their newborns during childbirth, putting them at risk for an eye infection known as ophthalmia neonatorum (ON)1.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Heat loss is a significant concern for newborns immediately after birth. Newborns have a large surface area relative to their body weight, which makes them more susceptible to heat loss.
Maintaining a warm environment is crucial to prevent hypothermia, which can lead to complications such as hypoglycemia and respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale
While hypoglycemia is a concern in newborns, especially those born to mothers with diabetes, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The first step in stabilizing a newborn after birth is to ensure adequate respirations and prevent heat loss.
Choice C rationale
Fluid balance is important in newborns, but it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The first step in stabilizing a newborn after birth is to ensure adequate respirations and prevent heat loss.
Choice D rationale
While newborns do have immature clotting mechanisms, making them more prone to bleeding tendencies, this is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The first step in stabilizing a newborn after birth is to ensure adequate respirations and prevent heat loss.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While acetaminophen can help reduce fever, it does not address the underlying cause of the client’s symptoms. Moreover, self-medication without proper medical advice can potentially harm the pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
The client’s symptoms of low-grade fever, moderate cramping, and heavy bright-red bleeding could indicate a serious condition such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, immediate medical evaluation is necessary.
Choice C rationale
While monitoring the flow of vaginal bleeding can provide useful information, it does not address the immediate need for medical evaluation given the client’s symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Resting at home might not be the best advice given the severity of the client’s symptoms. Immediate medical evaluation is necessary.
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