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
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Monitoring the infant's lymphocyte count is important in evaluating the immune function of the infant. HIV primarily affects the immune system, including lymphocytes. Monitoring the lymphocyte count helps assess the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
Exchange transfusions are not typically used in the management of HIV. They are primarily performed in conditions like severe neonatal jaundice or blood disorders, but not for the treatment of HIV.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a medication used to stimulate the production of white blood cells called granulocytes. While G-CSF can be used in certain situations, such as to counteract the side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs, it is not a standard treatment for HIV in infants.
Droplet precautions are typically implemented for infectious diseases that spread through respiratory droplets, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HIV does not spread through respiratory droplets, so initiating droplet precautions would not be necessary in the care of an infant with HIV.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, leading to vaginal bleeding. The bleeding is typically painless and bright red in color. This is an important finding that should be assessed and monitored closely.
A rigid abdomen is not a characteristic finding of placenta previa. It could be a sign of another condition such as placental abruption or uterine rupture, which are separate complications. Fetal movement is not directly related to placenta previa. It is a normal finding and can vary depending on the gestational age and individual fetal patterns.
Placenta previa is not typically associated with persistent uterine contractions. However, it is important to monitor for any signs of preterm labor or other complications that could cause uterine contractions.
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