A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who has acute bacterial conjunctivitis of the right eye and has been prescribed bacitracin ophthalmic ointment.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Gently massage the eyelid to facilitate absorption of the medication.
Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward.
Place an occlusive dressing on the affected eye to prevent the spread of infection.
Instruct guardian to apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment every morning for 14 days.
The Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward
Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment is an antibiotic medication commonly used to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis.
Wiping any excess medication from the inner canthus outward, is important to prevent the accumulation of excessive ointment, which can cause discomfort and affect vision. Using a clean, sterile cotton ball or tissue, the nurse should gently wipe any excess ointment from the inner corner of the eye (inner canthus) and then move outward to remove the excess ointment.
Gently massaging the eyelid to facilitate absorption of the medication in (option A) is not recommended. It can potentially cause discomfort or further irritation to the affected eye, especially in a young child. The ointment will naturally spread across the eye as the child blinks.
Placing an occlusive dressing on the affected eye in (option C) is not necessary for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. It may impede proper air circulation and potentially worsen the infection. It is important to promote hygiene and prevent the spread of infection by encouraging proper handwashing and avoiding touching or rubbing the affected eye.
Instructing the guardian to apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment every morning for 14 days in (option D) is not appropriate in this case. Erythromycin is an alternative antibiotic commonly used for conjunctivitis, but since the child has been prescribed bacitracin ophthalmic ointment, the appropriate course of treatment would be to follow the prescribed medication as directed by the healthcare provider.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","G"]
Explanation
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- Request that the client's family bring the client's eyeglasses from home: This is important to ensure that the client has optimal vision and can see clearly, considering their visual loss. Having their eyeglasses will improve their ability to communicate and understand their surroundings.
- Reorient the client often: Reorientation is important for clients who may be disoriented due to their medical condition or unfamiliar environment. Regularly reminding the client of their location, date, and situation can help them maintain orientation.
- Acknowledge the client's feelings: Acknowledging and validating the client's feelings can help establish rapport and promote a therapeutic relationship. It shows empathy and understanding, which can contribute to the client's overall well-being.
- Provide the client with information about what to expect during their care: Providing information to the client about their care helps promote autonomy and active participation in their own healthcare. It can reduce anxiety and improve the client's overall experience.
- Write the full date on the client's whiteboard: Clearly documenting the full date on the client's whiteboard helps the client stay oriented to the current date and time.
- Maintain a well-lit environment: Ensuring a well-lit environment is important, especially for clients with visual impairment. Sufficient lighting can enhance the client's ability to see and navigate their surroundings.
It's worth noting that while asking the client's partner to stay with the client as much as possible may be beneficial, it may not always be feasible or within the nurse's control. Additionally, requesting the client to have the same caregivers with every shift may not be possible due to staffing constraints.
Correct Answer is ["C"]
Explanation
A.While it's important to document visitors and support persons, this information may not be considered crucial for the change-of-shift report unless it directly impacts the client's care or well-being.
B. The client received the prescribed antibiotic every 8 hours: This is important information, but it is typically documented in the medication administration record (MAR) and does not need to be included in the verbal report unless there were issues or changes related to the medication.
C. The client reports pain is reduced when positioned on his side: This is significant information as it informs the incoming nurse about the client's preferred position for pain management. It helps guide the nurse in providing comfort measures and appropriate positioning for the client. The client's mother died 4 years ago from breast cancer: This information may not be considered vital for the change-of-shift report unless it directly impacts the client's current condition or ongoing care.
D. The client's mother died 4 years ago from breast cancer: This information may not be considered vital for the change-of-shift report unless it directly impacts the client's current condition or ongoing care.
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