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 D
Explanation
The nurse should identify Naproxen as an over-the-counter product that is unsafe for use with enoxaparin. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of bleeding when used in combination with anticoagulant medications like enoxaparin. Both enoxaparin and Naproxen have anticoagulant effects, and using them together can significantly increase the risk of bleeding complications.
On the other hand, calcium supplements, docusate (a stool softener), and cimetidine (an H2 blocker) do not have direct interactions or pose significant risks when used with enoxaparin. However, it is always important for the client to inform their healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter products, they are taking to ensure there are no potential interactions or contraindications specific to their individual situation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The plantar Babinski reflex is assessed by stroking the sole of the foot from the heel towards the toes. A normal response is the flexion or curling of the toes. An abnormal response, known as a positive Babinski sign, is the extension and fanning out of the toes, which indicates an upper motor neuron lesion.
"Place your foot in my hand and I will tap the back of your heel": This instruction is more relevant to testing the Achilles tendon reflex, where the nurse taps the back of the heel to elicit a plantarflexion response.
"Sit on the edge of the bed while I tap your knee": This instruction is more relevant to testing the patellar reflex, also known as the knee-jerk reflex. The nurse taps the patellar tendon just below the kneecap to elicit a reflexive contraction of the quadriceps muscle.
"Relax your arm across your chest and I will test your elbow extension": This instruction is more relevant to testing the triceps reflex, where the nurse taps the triceps tendon to elicit a reflexive extension of the elbow.
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