A nurse is checking the medication label of erythromycin eye ointment before applying it to a newborn’s eyes.
What information should the nurse verify on the label? (Select all that apply)
Name of the medication
Dose of the medication
Expiry date of the medication
Route of administration of the medication
Frequency of administration of the medication
Correct Answer : A,B,C
The correct answer is choice A, B and C. The nurse should verify the name, dose and expiry date of the medication on the label before applying it to a newborn’s eyes.
This is to ensure that the medication is appropriate, safe and effective for the intended purpose.
Choice D is wrong because the route of administration of the medication is already known. Erythromycin eye ointment is applied to the lower eyelids of the newborn’s eyes.
Choice E is wrong because the frequency of administration of the medication is also already known. Erythromycin eye ointment is usually applied once soon after birth.
Erythromycin eye ointment is used for the prevention of neonatal conjunctivitis, which is an eye infection caused by bacteria that can enter the baby’s eyes during childbirth. It can cause serious complications such as blindness if left untreated.
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Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A and E.The ointment should be administered within 1-2 hours of birth to be effective and may cause minor ocular irritation or redness that lasts for 24-48 hours.
Choice B is wrong because the ointment does not affect the newborn’s ability to see.The ointment may cause temporary blurred vision, but this does not impair the newborn’s vision development.
Choice C is wrong because the ointment does not increase the risk of bleeding if the newborn is also given vitamin K injection.Vitamin K injection is given to prevent bleeding disorders in newborns and has no interaction with erythromycin ointment.
Choice D is wrong because the ointment is not required by law in all states of the United States to prevent eye infections in newborns.
Some states have laws that mandate the use of erythromycin ointment for newborns, but others do not.However, it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a standard of care.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Do not rub or wipe the eyes after applying the ointment.This is because rubbing or wiping the eyes can cause irritation and remove the ointment from the conjunctival sac, where it is supposed to act against bacterial infections.
Choice A is wrong because rubbing or wiping the eyes gently does not spread the ointment evenly and can cause harm to the newborn’s eyes.
Choice C is wrong because rinsing the eyes with sterile saline solution can wash away the ointment and reduce its effectiveness.
Choice D is wrong because covering the eyes with sterile gauze pads can interfere with eye-to-eye contact between the newborn and parents, which is important for bonding and attachment.
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