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 C
Explanation
Choice A: While nitroglycerin is a common medication for angina, calling the provider after just one dose is not the recommended action. Nitroglycerin helps relax coronary arteries and improve blood supply to the heart. However, if chest pain persists, the client should follow additional steps..
Choice B: This describes the Valsalva maneuver, which involves holding the breath and bearing down as though straining to initiate a bowel movement. While this technique can regulate heart rhythms and help the ears to pop, it is not the recommended response to chest pain from angina.
Choice C: Correct: This statement demonstrates an understanding of appropriate action. When experiencing angina, the client should stop any physical activity, sit down, or lie down. Resting helps reduce the heart’s workload and allows blood flow to stabilize.
Choice D: Aspirin can be beneficial during angina episodes. However, the recommended dose is usually 162 to 325 milligrams (one tablet). Taking two tablets at once may not be necessary unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The AIMS is specifically designed to assess for the presence and severity of abnormal involuntary movements, which can be a side effect of long-term antipsychotic medication use, including tardive dyskinesia. It consists of a series of standardized movements and observations that assess different body regions for abnormal movements. The nurse can use this tool to monitor the client's movements and identify any signs of tardive dyskinesia.
Mental Status Examination (MSE): The MSE is a comprehensive assessment of a client's mental status, including their cognition, mood, and thought processes. While the MSE is an important tool in assessing overall mental health, it is not specific to tardive dyskinesia. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): The PHQ-9 is a screening tool for depression that assesses the severity of depressive symptoms. While depression can be a comorbidity in individuals with schizophrenia, the PHQ-9 does not directly assess for tardive dyskinesia. Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS): The BPRS is a rating scale used to assess the severity of psychiatric symptoms in individuals with mental disorders. While it is useful in evaluating overall symptomatology in schizophrenia, it does not specifically target tardive dyskinesia.
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