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. Which response by the nurse will best explain the purpose for administering the ointment?
The ointment will dilate the pupil so the red reflex can be visualized.
The ointment will prevent a herpes infection.
The ointment will prevent eye infections.
The ointment will clear the infants's vision
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
The ointment used in newborns does not dilate the pupil. It is not intended to aid in the visualization of the red reflex. The red reflex can be observed without the need for any ointment.
Choice B rationale
The ointment does not prevent herpes infections. It is specifically used to prevent bacterial eye infections caused by organisms such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be present in the birth canal.
Choice C rationale
The ointment will prevent eye infections. This is the correct explanation. The eye ointment, typically erythromycin or tetracycline, is applied to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, a type of conjunctivitis caused by bacteria that the newborn might be exposed to during delivery.
Choice D rationale
The ointment will not clear the infant's vision. Newborns naturally have somewhat blurry vision at birth, and the ointment does not enhance or clear their vision. Its primary purpose is to prevent bacterial infections.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing the client in Trendelenburg position is the first action as it helps to relieve pressure off the umbilical cord by using gravity to shift the fetus away from the pelvis. This position helps to prevent cord compression and maintain blood flow to the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Notifying the operating room team is important but should be done after immediately addressing the umbilical cord prolapse to prevent fetal hypoxia. Initial physical intervention takes priority.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxygen via face mask is beneficial for the mother and fetus but is not the immediate first action. Positioning the client to relieve pressure off the umbilical cord is more urgent.
Choice D rationale
Administering a fluid bolus of 500 mL can help maintain maternal blood pressure, but it is not the first action. The priority is to reposition the client to prevent cord compression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Non-nutritive sucking, such as with a pacifier, can be soothing and calming for infants. It helps in the development of oral motor skills and provides comfort during enteral feedings, ensuring that the infant’s need for sucking is met even when they are not feeding.
Choice B rationale
Sterile technique is essential for preventing infections during invasive procedures, but enteral feeding typically does not require such stringent measures. Clean technique is usually sufficient unless the infant has a compromised immune system or other specific medical conditions requiring sterile precautions.
Choice C rationale
While verifying tube placement is critical, it is often done using methods such as pH testing of gastric contents or external marking rather than routine x-rays. Overuse of x-rays exposes infants to unnecessary radiation. X-rays are used primarily when other methods are inconclusive.
Choice D rationale
Instituting physical therapy for a one-month-old infant would not be developmentally appropriate as their primary needs are centered around nutrition, comfort, and growth. Physical therapy is more relevant for older children with developmental or mobility issues rather than infants receiving enteral feedings. .
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