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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Administer oxygen via face mask at 10 L/min:
Administering oxygen can help improve tissue oxygenation and prevent hypoxia, which is critical in managing a client at risk of hypovolemic shock. However, while oxygenation is important, it may not directly address the underlying cause of the excessive bleeding. Therefore, while oxygen may be necessary, it is not the most immediate action required to address the potential cause of the hemorrhage.
B. Collect hemoglobin and hematocrit levels:
Collecting hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is essential for assessing the extent of blood loss and the client's hemodynamic status. This information will help determine the severity of the situation and guide further management and interventions, such as blood transfusion if indicated. Since postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal mortality, prompt assessment of blood loss is crucial in guiding appropriate interventions to prevent further complications.
C. Prepare the client to receive a plasma expander:
Plasma expanders may be administered to help restore circulating blood volume in cases of hypovolemic shock due to significant blood loss. However, before initiating plasma expander administration, it is essential to assess the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to determine the severity of blood loss and guide appropriate fluid resuscitation strategies. Therefore, preparing the client to receive a plasma expander would come after assessing the extent of blood loss through laboratory values.
D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter:
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be necessary to monitor urinary output, which is an important indicator of renal perfusion and overall fluid status. However, while urinary catheterization is important for assessing renal function and fluid balance, it is not the most immediate action required to address the potential cause of the hemorrhage. Assessing blood loss through laboratory values and initiating appropriate interventions to manage postpartum hemorrhage take precedence over urinary catheterization in this scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Hypnosis can be beneficial if you practiced it during the prenatal period":
This statement is accurate. Hypnosis techniques for pain management during labor can be more effective if the client has practiced and familiarized themselves with the techniques during the prenatal period. Regular practice can help the client achieve a deeper state of relaxation and better utilize hypnosis for pain control during labor.
B. "Synchronized breathing will be required during hypnosis":
While synchronized breathing techniques can be part of hypnosis practice, it is not necessarily a requirement for hypnosis to be effective for pain management during labor. Different hypnosis techniques may focus on various aspects such as visualization, deep relaxation, or suggestion to manage pain.
C. "Focusing on controlling body functions will be helpful during hypnosis":
While focusing on controlling body functions, such as breathing or muscle tension, can be part of hypnosis techniques, it is not the only focus. Hypnosis for pain management during labor often involves guiding the mind to a state of deep relaxation and altering perceptions of pain rather than directly controlling body functions.
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