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 B
Explanation
Veracity refers to the principle of truthfulness and honesty in communication. By truthfully communicating about the adverse effects of the prescribed medications, the nurse is demonstrating veracity. This ethical principle emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information to the client to promote informed decision-making and autonomy.
Justice refers to fairness and equitable treatment, ensuring that individuals receive what they are due and that resources are distributed appropriately. While justice is an important ethical concept in healthcare, it is not directly applicable to the nurse's communication about adverse effects.
Autonomy refers to respecting the right of individuals to make their own decisions and choices regarding their healthcare. While truthfully communicating about adverse effects supports autonomy, autonomy itself is not the specific ethical concept being exhibited in this scenario. Beneficence refers to the ethical principle of acting in the best interest of the client and promoting their well-being. While providing accurate information about adverse effects can be seen as a form of beneficence, it does not directly address the nurse's truthful communication in this specific scenario.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Explanation
C. Epistaxis
Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clot formation. One of the potential adverse effects of heparin therapy is bleeding. Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, can be a sign of abnormal bleeding and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and adjustment of the treatment plan if necessary.
Weight gain in (option A) is not a common adverse effect of heparin. Weight gain can be caused by various factors, but it is not directly related to heparin administration.
Bradycardia (slow heart rate) in (option B) is not a common adverse effect of heparin. Bradycardia can be caused by other factors unrelated to heparin therapy and should be evaluated separately.
Anorexia (loss of appetite) in (option D) is not typically associated with heparin therapy. Anorexia can have various causes, but it is not directly linked to heparin administration.
Therefore, the nurse should report the occurrence of epistaxis (option C) to the healthcare provider as a potential adverse effect of heparin therapy in the client.
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