The nurse is applying erythromycin ointment to the lower lid of the newborn’s eyes. What is the purpose of this medication for the newborn?
To provide moisture
To prevent chemical conjunctivitis
To prevent infection
To treat infection
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Erythromycin ointment does not have moisturizing properties. Its primary function is to act as an antibiotic to prevent bacterial infections.
While it may have a slightly lubricating effect due to its ointment base, this is not its intended purpose.
If moisture is the primary goal, artificial tears or other ophthalmic lubricants would be more appropriate choices.
Choice B rationale:
Chemical conjunctivitis is typically caused by irritants such as chlorine, smoke, or chemicals, not bacteria. Erythromycin is not effective in preventing or treating chemical conjunctivitis.
Treatment for chemical conjunctivitis usually involves flushing the eyes with saline or water and applying cool compresses, as well as potentially using topical antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Choice D rationale:
Erythromycin ointment is not typically used to treat active eye infections in newborns.
While it can be used for this purpose in certain cases, it is more commonly used as a prophylactic measure to prevent infections from developing in the first place.
If a newborn has a suspected eye infection, a healthcare provider would likely collect a sample of discharge for testing and culture to determine the specific causative organism and select the most appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Choice C rationale:
The primary purpose of applying erythromycin ointment to a newborn's eyes is to prevent bacterial eye infections, specifically ophthalmia neonatorum.
Ophthalmia neonatorum is a serious condition that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
It is most commonly caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be transmitted to the newborn during childbirth if the mother is infected.
Erythromycin ointment is effective in preventing these infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of these bacteria. It is typically applied to the newborn's eyes within 1 hour of birth as a standard practice in many countries.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Dopamine is a catecholamine that acts on both alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. It has inotropic (increases heart contractility), chronotropic (increases heart rate), and vasopressor (constricts blood vessels) effects.
It was previously used as a first-line agent for cardiogenic shock, but it has fallen out of favor due to concerns about its potential to increase heart rate and arrhythmias, which can worsen myocardial oxygen demand and ischemia.
Additionally, dopamine's effects on renal blood flow can be unpredictable, and it may not be as effective as norepinephrine in increasing blood pressure in patients with severe shock.
Choice B rationale:
Norepinephrine is a potent alpha-adrenergic agonist that causes vasoconstriction, leading to an increase in blood pressure. It has minimal beta-adrenergic effects, so it does not significantly increase heart rate.
Norepinephrine is the preferred first-line vasopressor for cardiogenic shock because it effectively raises blood pressure without significantly increasing heart rate or myocardial oxygen demand.
It also has beneficial effects on renal blood flow and may improve organ perfusion.
Choice C rationale:
Epinephrine is a potent alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist. It has strong inotropic, chronotropic, and vasopressor effects.
It can be used in cardiogenic shock, but it is typically reserved for patients who do not respond adequately to norepinephrine or who have severe bradycardia.
Epinephrine's potent beta-adrenergic effects can increase heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, which can be detrimental in patients with cardiogenic shock.
Choice D rationale:
Vasopressin (Pitressin) is a hormone that acts on V1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle to cause vasoconstriction. It is not a first-line agent for cardiogenic shock, but it can be used as an adjunct to norepinephrine in patients who are refractory to other vasopressors.
Vasopressin may be particularly useful in patients with septic shock, as it has been shown to improve outcomes in this population.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Rationale:
NPH insulin can be mixed with certain other insulins, such as regular insulin, to achieve different effects and better control blood glucose levels. Therefore, stating that it should never be mixed with another insulin is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that can be administered at various times of the day, depending on the individual's needs and blood glucose patterns. It is not restricted to bedtime administration only.
Choice D rationale:
When mixing NPH insulin with another insulin, the order of mixing does not significantly affect its action. The crucial aspect is to ensure proper mixing of the insulins before administration.
Choice B rationale:
NPH insulin is a suspension, meaning the insulin particles are not fully dissolved in the liquid. Therefore, it's essential to roll the vial gently between the palms to evenly distribute the insulin particles throughout the solution. This ensures that the patient receives the correct dose and prevents injection of an uneven mixture, which could lead to unpredictable blood glucose levels.
Key points to remember:
NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that starts working within 1 to 2 hours, peaks in 4 to 12 hours, and lasts for 12 to 18 hours.
It can be mixed with regular insulin to provide both short-acting and longer-acting insulin coverage. Always follow the specific instructions provided by the insulin manufacturer and healthcare provider. Proper mixing of NPH insulin is crucial for accurate dosing and optimal glucose control.
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