A nurse is caring for a client in labor who has herpes simplex virus (HSV) with active lesions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to implement to prevent the transmission of HSV to the newborn?
Apply cortisone ointment on the lesions prior to birth.
Administer erythromycin ointment in the newborn's eyes after birth.
Anticipate a scheduled cesarean birth.
Initiate IV penicillin G during the labor.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Apply cortisone ointment on the lesions prior to birth:
Cortisone ointment is not appropriate for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions. Cortisone is a steroid medication that can suppress the immune response, potentially worsening the HSV infection. Additionally, cortisone ointment does not directly treat the virus or prevent its transmission. Therefore, applying cortisone ointment on the lesions would not be effective and could even be harmful to both the mother and the newborn.
B. Administer erythromycin ointment in the newborn's eyes after birth:
Erythromycin ointment is routinely used in newborns to prevent bacterial eye infections, such as those caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, it is not effective against viruses like HSV. Therefore, while erythromycin ointment is important for preventing bacterial infections in newborns, it does not address the risk of HSV transmission from the mother to the newborn during birth.
C. Anticipate a scheduled cesarean birth:
When a pregnant person has active genital herpes lesions near the time of delivery, a scheduled cesarean section (C-section) is often recommended to reduce the risk of neonatal herpes transmission. Delivering the baby via C-section can decrease the likelihood of the newborn coming into contact with the virus in the birth canal, thereby reducing the risk of neonatal herpes infection. This intervention is specifically targeted at preventing HSV transmission to the newborn and is considered the standard of care in such situations.
D. Initiate IV penicillin G during labor:
Penicillin G is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, but it is not effective against viruses like HSV. Therefore, initiating IV penicillin G during labor would not prevent the transmission of HSV to the newborn. While antibiotics may be used in certain situations during labor to prevent bacterial infections, they do not address the risk of HSV transmission and are not indicated for this purpose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Inform the client about the possible need for reduction of multiple fetuses:
In vitro fertilization (IVF) can lead to the development of multiple embryos, increasing the risk of multiple gestation pregnancies, such as twins or triplets. Multiple gestations pose higher risks for both the mother and the babies, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and other complications. Therefore, the nurse should inform the client about the possibility of needing fetal reduction procedures to reduce the number of fetuses and minimize risks to both the mother and the remaining babies.
B. Instruct the client not to use donor oocytes:
Donor oocytes (eggs) are commonly used in IVF procedures, particularly for clients who have infertility related to egg quality or production issues. The decision to use donor oocytes should be based on individual circumstances and preferences. It is not appropriate for the nurse to instruct the client not to use donor oocytes without knowing the client's specific situation and preferences.
C. Instruct the client to avoid freezing embryos for possible use in the future:
Freezing embryos for future use, known as embryo cryopreservation, is a common practice in IVF. It allows for the preservation of embryos that are not transferred during the initial IVF cycle for potential use in subsequent cycles. Embryo cryopreservation can improve the chances of pregnancy without the need for additional ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval procedures. Therefore, instructing the client to avoid freezing embryos would not be appropriate advice.
D. Inform the client that sperm will be introduced to the uterus during ovulation:
This statement is incorrect. In IVF, fertilization typically occurs outside the body in a laboratory setting. The eggs retrieved from the ovaries are fertilized with sperm in a dish, and the resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus. Sperm is not introduced to the uterus during ovulation in the context of IVF.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Explanation:
A. Airborne precautions:
Airborne precautions are used for pathogens that are transmitted through the air over long distances. This includes pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) or varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox). However, Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection is not transmitted through the airborne route. Therefore, airborne precautions are not appropriate for managing C. difficile infection.
B. Droplet precautions:
Droplet precautions are used for pathogens that are transmitted through respiratory droplets, typically over short distances (usually within about 3 feet). This includes pathogens such as influenza virus or Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough). However, C. difficile infection is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route and contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, rather than through respiratory droplets. Therefore, droplet precautions are not appropriate for managing C. difficile infection.
C. Protective environment:
Protective environment, also known as reverse isolation, is used to protect immunocompromised clients from pathogens in the environment. This includes clients who have undergone bone marrow transplantation or chemotherapy. However, protective environment precautions are not appropriate for managing C. difficile infection. C. difficile infection control measures primarily focus on preventing the spread of the infection to others, rather than protecting the client from external pathogens.
D. Contact precautions:
Contact precautions are used for pathogens that are transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the client or their environment. This includes pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or C. difficile. C. difficile infection is primarily transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Therefore, contact precautions, which involve measures to prevent the transmission of infectious agents via contact, including wearing gloves and a gown, performing hand hygiene, and ensuring environmental cleaning and disinfection, are appropriate for managing C. difficile infection.
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