The nurse is instilling erythromycin ointment to the lower lid of the newborn’s eyes. Why is this medication being given to the newborn?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Prednisolone is a corticosteroid that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effects. It does not have a direct effect on urine output.

While it may be used in some cases of head trauma to reduce inflammation, it would not be the first-line choice to address excessive urine output.

Prolonged use of prednisolone can have adverse effects such as fluid retention, weight gain, hypertension, and hyperglycemia.

Choice B rationale:

Corticotropin (ACTH) is a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Cortisol has a variety of effects, including increasing blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

It does not have a direct effect on urine output and would not be used to address this issue.

ACTH can have significant side effects, including fluid retention, electrolyte imbalances, and mood changes.

Choice C rationale:

Vasopressin is a hormone that regulates fluid balance in the body. It works by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, which can help to reduce urine output.

It is the most appropriate medication to administer to a client with excessive urine output following head trauma.

Vasopressin can be administered intravenously or subcutaneously. It is important to monitor the client's fluid intake and output closely when administering vasopressin, as it can lead to fluid overload if not used carefully.

Choice D rationale:

Calciferol is a form of vitamin D that helps to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. It does not have a direct effect on urine output.

It would not be used to address excessive urine output in a client with head trauma.

Excessive doses of calciferol can lead to hypercalcemia, which can cause kidney stones, bone pain, and other serious problems.