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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D. Checking the clients' allergy bands with each medication administration is a safety measure to prevent adverse drug reactions. According to the Healthline website, "Always ask patient about allergies, types of reactions, and severity of reactions" before giving any medication.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Explanation
C.I should check my heart rate while taking the medication
Timolol is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma, which is a chronic eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure
hacking the heart rate while taking timolol eye drops is important. Timolol belongs to a class of medications called beta-blockers, which can have systemic effects. These medications can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect heart rate and blood pressure. Monitoring the heart rate can help assess for any potential adverse effects of the medication.
Taking a zinc supplement in (option A) is not correct because it is not typically necessary while taking timolol eye drops. Zinc supplementation is not a direct requirement or related to the use of timolol for glaucoma treatment. The client should follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding medication use and potential dietary modifications, but zinc supplementation is not specifically associated with timolol.
Timolol eye drops in (option B) is not correct because it does not darken the colour of the eyes. The purpose of timolol eye drops is to reduce intraocular pressure by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye. Eye colour changes are not known effects of timolol eye drops.
Timolol eye drops in (option D) is incorrect because it does not dilate the eyes. In fact, they work by reducing intraocular pressure, not by dilating the eyes. Eye dilation is typically achieved with the use of specific eye drops called mydriatics or with the use of specialized ophthalmic instruments during an eye examination.
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