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:
Incorrect. Insulin pumps should be removed before bathing or swimming to prevent damage to the device. Water can enter the pump through the infusion set or through the battery compartment, causing it to malfunction. This can lead to inaccurate insulin delivery, which can result in hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
Additionally, the adhesive that holds the infusion set in place may not stick well to wet skin, which can increase the risk of the infusion set falling out.
It is important to note that some insulin pumps are now waterproof and can be worn while bathing or swimming. However, it is still important to check the manufacturer's instructions before doing so.
Choice B rationale:
Correct. Even though insulin pumps deliver insulin continuously, people who use them still need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly. This is because many factors can affect blood glucose levels, such as food intake, exercise, stress, and illness.
Monitoring blood glucose levels allows people to adjust their insulin doses as needed to keep their blood glucose levels within a target range.
Recommended frequency of blood glucose monitoring:
Before meals and snacks Two hours after meals At bedtime
Before and after exercise During times of illness or stress
Whenever they feel symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
Choice C rationale:
Incorrect. People who use insulin pumps still need to count carbohydrates. This is because the amount of insulin that is needed to cover a meal depends on the amount of carbohydrates in the meal.
The insulin pump can be programmed to deliver different amounts of insulin for different meals, snacks, and corrections based on carbohydrate intake. This allows for more precise insulin dosing and better blood glucose control.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect. Insulin pumps are not designed to help people lose weight. They are designed to help people manage their blood glucose levels.
While some people may lose weight when they start using an insulin pump, this is usually due to improved blood glucose control rather than the pump itself.
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.
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