A nurse is administering erythromycin eye ointment to a newborn who has a history of allergic reaction to penicillin.

What should the nurse do before applying the ointment?

Ask the mother if she has any allergies to antibiotics

Check if there is any cross-sensitivity between erythromycin and penicillin

Apply a small amount of ointment on the skin to test for allergic reaction

Administer an antihistamine to prevent anaphylaxis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The correct answer is choice B. Check if there is any cross-sensitivity between erythromycin and penicillin. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that can be used to treat bacterial eye infections in newborns and adults.

Penicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Cross-sensitivity means that a person who is allergic to one type of antibiotic may also be allergic to another type of antibiotic that has a similar structure or mechanism of action. Erythromycin and penicillin have different structures and mechanisms of action, but there is still a small chance of cross-sensitivity between them.

Therefore, the nurse should check if the newborn has any history of allergic reaction to penicillin before applying the erythromycin eye ointment.

Choice A is wrong because asking the mother if she has any allergies to antibiotics is not enough to determine if the newborn is at risk of an allergic reaction to erythromycin.

The newborn may have inherited or developed an allergy to penicillin or erythromycin that the mother does not have.

Choice C is wrong because applying a small amount of ointment on the skin to test for allergic reaction is not a reliable method to diagnose an allergy. Skin testing can cause false positive or false negative results, and it may also trigger a severe allergic reaction in some cases.

Choice D is wrong because administering an antihistamine to prevent anaphylaxis is not appropriate for a newborn who has not been exposed to the allergen yet.

An antihistamine is a medication that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes allergic symptoms.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that involves multiple organ systems and requires immediate medical attention. An antihistamine cannot prevent anaphylaxis, and it may also cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or low blood pressure in a newborn.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B.“I should bathe him before a feeding so he won’t spit up.” This statement indicates a need for further instruction because it is not advisable to bathe a newborn infant before a feeding, as this may cause hypoglycemia or cold stress.The mother should bathe the infant after a feeding or between feedings when the infant is alert and comfortable.

Choice A is wrong because it is correct to use a clean cloth and warm water to wash around the umbilical cord.This helps prevent infection and promotes drying of the cord stump.

Choice C is wrong because it is correct to avoid getting water in the infant’s ears or eyes.This helps prevent ear infections and eye irritation.

Choice D is wrong because it is correct to dry the infant thoroughly and dress him warmly after bathing.

This helps prevent heat loss

A. Heart rate of 140/min B. Respiratory rate of 50/min C. Temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) D. Blood pressure of 60/40 mm Hg

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice C. A temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) is below the normal range for a newborn, which is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).

A low temperature can indicate hypothermia, infection, or hypoglycemia, and should be reported to the provider.

Choice A is wrong because a heart rate of 140/min is within the normal range for a newborn, which is 120 to 160/min.

Choice B is wrong because a respiratory rate of 50/min is within the normal range for a newborn, which is 30 to 60/min.

Choice D is wrong because a blood pressure of 60/40 mm Hg is within the normal range for a newborn, which is 50 to 75/30 to 45 mm Hg.

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A nurse is administering erythromycin eye ointment to a newborn who has a history of allergic reaction to penicillin. What should the nurse do before applying the ointment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A postpartum nurse instructs a new mother in how to bathe her newborn. Which statement by the mother indicates a need for further instruction?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a newborn’s vital signs at 1 hour of age. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse is administering erythromycin eye ointment to a newborn who has a history of allergic reaction to penicillin.

What should the nurse do before applying the ointment?