A nurse is assessing the reflexes of a term newborn. After placing the newborn in the supine position, which of the following methods should the nurse use to elicit the Moro reflex?

The correct answer is c. Ampicillin.

Rationale:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) B-hemolyticis a bacterium that can colonize the vagina and rectum of pregnant women.While usually harmless to the mother,it can be passed to the newborn during birth and cause serious infections,including pneumonia,meningitis,and sepsis.
• Ampicillinis thefirst-line antibioticrecommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for theprevention of GBS disease in newborns.It belongs to thepenicillin classof antibiotics,which are highly effective against GBS and generally well-tolerated by pregnant women and newborns.
• Doxycyclineis not recommended for GBS prophylaxis due to its poor penetration into amniotic fluid and potential for causing tooth discoloration and bone development problems in newborns.
• Cefotetanis an alternative option for women with penicillin allergy,but ampicillin is still preferred due to its lower cost and broader spectrum of activity against GBS strains.
• Fluconazoleis an antifungal medication and has no activity against GBS bacteria.

Detailed Rationale for Each Choice:

a. Doxycycline:

• Rationale against:
  • Poor penetration into amniotic fluid:Doxycycline does not effectively reach the amniotic sac,where the baby is surrounded,and therefore may not adequately protect the newborn from GBS infection.
  • Adverse effects in newborns:Doxycycline can cause tooth discoloration and bone development problems in infants exposed in utero.

b. Cefotetan:

• Rationale for:
  • Alternative for penicillin allergy:Cefotetan is a cephalosporin antibiotic effective against GBS and can be used in women with penicillin allergy.
• Rationale against:
  • Second-line option:Ampicillin is the preferred choice due to its lower cost and broader spectrum of activity against GBS strains.

c. Ampicillin:

• Rationale for:
  • First-line antibiotic:Ampicillin is the CDC-recommended first-line antibiotic for GBS prophylaxis due to its:
    • High effectiveness against GBS:Ampicillin has a broad spectrum of activity against GBS strains.
    • Good safety profile:Ampicillin is generally well-tolerated by pregnant women and newborns.
    • Cost-effectiveness:Ampicillin is a relatively inexpensive antibiotic compared to other options.

d. Fluconazole:

• Rationale against:
  • Antifungal medication:Fluconazole is an antifungal medication and has no activity against GBS,which is a bacterium.

Choice A rationale:

Allowing parents to enter the nursery while wearing masks may be a preventive measure for some situations, but it is not a standard infection control procedure in a newborn nursery.

Choice B rationale:

Airborne precautions are not required for routine infection control in a newborn nursery. They are typically reserved for specific airborne-transmitted infections.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the newborn's foot on a sterile field during a heel stick is a procedure to maintain sterile technique but is not a general infection control instruction for the nursery.

Choice D rationale:

Placing newborn bassinets at least 3 feet apart is a crucial infection control measure in a newborn nursery. It helps prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infections among newborns. Proper spacing allows for better airflow and reduces the risk of contact transmission between infants.