A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a female client about contraception.

Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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.

Explanation:

Bleach is an effective disinfectant for blood spills and is recommended by healthcare guidelines for its ability to kill a broad range of microorganisms, including bloodborne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To prepare a bleach solution, the nurse can mix 1-part bleach with 10 parts water. This diluted bleach solution can be used to clean and disinfect the overbed table surfaces that have been contaminated with blood.

A- Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic commonly used for skin preparation before invasive procedures, but it is not the ideal choice for disinfecting surfaces or objects after a blood spill.

B- Isopropyl alcohol is effective for disinfecting small surfaces, but it may not be as effective as bleach for blood spills, particularly in the context of bloodborne pathogens like HIV.

D- Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a disinfectant, but it may not be as effective as bleach in eliminating bloodborne pathogens from surfaces.