The nurse has finished teaching the mother of a 5-year-old male diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis how to manage her son's infection at home.

Which statement by the mother would indicate a need for further education?

Choice A rationale

Using over-the-counter vasoconstrictor eye drops like Visine (tetrahydrozoline) in an infected eye is incorrect and would indicate a need for further teaching. These drops can mask the signs of infection, potentially delay appropriate treatment, and may cause rebound redness or irritation. The primary treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis involves prescribed antibiotic drops or ointment, which should be used instead of symptomatic drops.

Choice B rationale

Washing hands immediately after caring for the child is a crucial intervention and indicates appropriate understanding of infection control. Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and meticulous hand hygiene is the most effective measure to prevent the transmission of the infection from the child's eyes to others or to the child's unaffected eye.

Choice C rationale

Encouraging the son to avoid touching his eyes is a correct and vital instruction for managing bacterial conjunctivitis. Touching the infected eye promotes autoinoculation of the unaffected eye and is the primary mechanism for transferring the contagious bacteria to surfaces or other individuals, thus spreading the infection.

Choice D rationale

Using a warm compress to help loosen crust that accumulated on the eyelid overnight is a correct and appropriate comfort measure. The heat and moisture help soften and remove the dried discharge (crusts) that accumulate in bacterial conjunctivitis, making it easier for antibiotic drops to penetrate and for the child to open their eye comfortably.