A nurse is caring for a client in labor who has herpes simplex virus (HSV) with active lesions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to implement to prevent the transmission of HSV to the newborn?
Apply cortisone ointment on the lesions prior to birth.
Administer erythromycin ointment in the newborn's eyes after birth.
Anticipate a scheduled cesarean birth.
Initiate IV penicillin G during the labor.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Apply cortisone ointment on the lesions prior to birth:
Cortisone ointment is not appropriate for the treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions. Cortisone is a steroid medication that can suppress the immune response, potentially worsening the HSV infection. Additionally, cortisone ointment does not directly treat the virus or prevent its transmission. Therefore, applying cortisone ointment on the lesions would not be effective and could even be harmful to both the mother and the newborn.
B. Administer erythromycin ointment in the newborn's eyes after birth:
Erythromycin ointment is routinely used in newborns to prevent bacterial eye infections, such as those caused by Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, it is not effective against viruses like HSV. Therefore, while erythromycin ointment is important for preventing bacterial infections in newborns, it does not address the risk of HSV transmission from the mother to the newborn during birth.
C. Anticipate a scheduled cesarean birth:
When a pregnant person has active genital herpes lesions near the time of delivery, a scheduled cesarean section (C-section) is often recommended to reduce the risk of neonatal herpes transmission. Delivering the baby via C-section can decrease the likelihood of the newborn coming into contact with the virus in the birth canal, thereby reducing the risk of neonatal herpes infection. This intervention is specifically targeted at preventing HSV transmission to the newborn and is considered the standard of care in such situations.
D. Initiate IV penicillin G during labor:
Penicillin G is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, but it is not effective against viruses like HSV. Therefore, initiating IV penicillin G during labor would not prevent the transmission of HSV to the newborn. While antibiotics may be used in certain situations during labor to prevent bacterial infections, they do not address the risk of HSV transmission and are not indicated for this purpose.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Weak cry
While infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) may exhibit irritability and excessive crying, a weak cry specifically is not typically associated with NAS. A weak cry could indicate other issues such as respiratory distress or neurological problems, but it is not a characteristic manifestation of NAS.
B. Absent Moro reflex
The Moro reflex is a normal primitive reflex present in newborns, involving the sudden extension and then flexion of the infant's arms in response to a sensation of falling or a loud noise. While NAS can affect the nervous system, leading to irritability and tremors, it typically does not cause the complete absence of the Moro reflex. Thus, this choice is less likely.
C. Respiratory rate of 30/min
A respiratory rate of 30/min in a newborn is within the normal range. While NAS can sometimes cause respiratory distress, it would typically present as symptoms such as rapid breathing, not necessarily a specific rate like 30/min. Therefore, this choice is not strongly associated with NAS.
D. Poor feeding
Poor feeding is a common manifestation of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Infants born to mothers who used methadone during pregnancy often experience withdrawal symptoms, including irritability and gastrointestinal issues, which can interfere with their ability to feed effectively. Poor feeding is a hallmark sign of NAS and is frequently observed in affected newborns.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine:
The HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy because there is limited safety data regarding its use in pregnant women. It is typically administered to individuals before they become sexually active to prevent HPV infections, which can lead to cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Since the client is currently pregnant, administering the HPV vaccine would not be appropriate due to the lack of safety data during pregnancy.
B. Rubella vaccine:
The rubella vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, and its administration during pregnancy is contraindicated due to the risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) if the vaccine were to cause rubella infection in the pregnant woman. Rubella vaccination should be provided to non-pregnant individuals, particularly women of childbearing age, to prevent CRS. Administering the rubella vaccine to a pregnant woman at 28 weeks of gestation would pose a risk to both the mother and the developing fetus.
C. Varicella vaccine:
Similar to the rubella vaccine, the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine and is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of varicella infection in the pregnant woman, which can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the fetus. Varicella vaccination is recommended for individuals who have not had chickenpox or received the vaccine previously but should not be administered to pregnant women.
D. Tetanus vaccine:
Tetanus vaccination during pregnancy is recommended to prevent maternal and neonatal tetanus. Tetanus toxoid is considered safe during pregnancy and is routinely administered as part of the tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. The tetanus vaccine helps protect against tetanus, a potentially fatal bacterial infection. Administering the tetanus vaccine during pregnancy is important for the health and safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.
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