A nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child who has acute bacterial conjunctivitis of the right eye and has been prescribed bacitracin ophthalmic ointment.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Gently massage the eyelid to facilitate absorption of the medication.
Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward.
Place an occlusive dressing on the affected eye to prevent the spread of infection.
Instruct guardian to apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment every morning for 14 days.
The Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward
Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment is an antibiotic medication commonly used to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis.
Wiping any excess medication from the inner canthus outward, is important to prevent the accumulation of excessive ointment, which can cause discomfort and affect vision. Using a clean, sterile cotton ball or tissue, the nurse should gently wipe any excess ointment from the inner corner of the eye (inner canthus) and then move outward to remove the excess ointment.
Gently massaging the eyelid to facilitate absorption of the medication in (option A) is not recommended. It can potentially cause discomfort or further irritation to the affected eye, especially in a young child. The ointment will naturally spread across the eye as the child blinks.
Placing an occlusive dressing on the affected eye in (option C) is not necessary for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. It may impede proper air circulation and potentially worsen the infection. It is important to promote hygiene and prevent the spread of infection by encouraging proper handwashing and avoiding touching or rubbing the affected eye.
Instructing the guardian to apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment every morning for 14 days in (option D) is not appropriate in this case. Erythromycin is an alternative antibiotic commonly used for conjunctivitis, but since the child has been prescribed bacitracin ophthalmic ointment, the appropriate course of treatment would be to follow the prescribed medication as directed by the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
RSV is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To prevent the spread of RSV, it is important to implement droplet precautions. These precautions include wearing a mask and ensuring proper hand hygiene when in contact with the preschooler.
This helps minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to other individuals. Requesting an x-ray of the preschooler's neck is not indicated for RSV. RSV primarily affects the respiratory system, and an x-ray of the neck would not provide relevant information for the diagnosis or management of RSV.
Monitoring the preschooler's urine for protein is not specifically related to RSV. Proteinuria is not a typical manifestation or complication of RSV. Monitoring urine for protein is more relevant in conditions such as kidney disease or urinary tract infections.
Administering fluconazole to the preschooler is not indicated for RSV. Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections, and it would not be effective against a viral infection like RSV.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
An incident report is a tool used to document any unexpected or adverse event that occurs in the healthcare setting. It is important to report incidents to ensure proper investigation, analysis, and implementation of measures to prevent future occurrences.
In this example, the incident involves an error with an electronic IV pump resulting in the delivery of an incorrect amount of fluid, which can have serious implications for the client's safety and well-being.
The other examples listed may require further actions but may not necessarily require an incident report:
- A nurse discovers that a client's family member has administered a PCA dose: While it is concerning that a client's family member administered a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) dose, it is more appropriate to address this situation through immediate intervention, education, and communication with the healthcare provider. An incident report may not be necessary unless there are further complications or system issues related to this incident.
- A nurse observes another nurse remove wrist restraints one at a time from a client who is currently calm: While the observation of improper restraint removal raises concerns about proper restraint protocol, it is more appropriate to address this situation through immediate intervention and communication with the involved nurse and healthcare provider. Depending on the severity of the situation, an incident report may or may not be warranted, but it is not the primary action in this case.
- A nurse observes a client vomiting after receiving an oral pain medication: While it is important to assess and address the client's condition and any adverse reactions, such as vomiting after receiving medication, it may not necessarily require an incident report. The nurse should assess the client, notify the healthcare provider, and document the incident appropriately in the client's medical record.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today