A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum following a vaginal birth.

Which analgesic medication should the nurse plan to administer and document in the client’s medical record?

Choice A rationale
Washing a baby’s face with plain water is a safe and effective way to keep it clean without causing irritation or dryness. This is especially important for newborns, whose skin is more sensitive than that of older children and adults.
Choice B rationale
Bumper pads are not recommended for use in a baby’s crib. They pose a risk of suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment. Instead, the crib should be kept bare, with only a firm mattress and a fitted sheet.
Choice C rationale
A soft mattress is not safe for a baby’s crib. It increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) because it can conform to the shape of the baby’s head or face, leading to suffocation. A firm mattress is recommended.
Choice D rationale
Bathing a baby immediately after feeding is not recommended. It can cause discomfort and may lead to vomiting. It’s better to wait at least a little while after a feeding before bathing the baby.

Choice A rationale
The instillation of antibiotic ophthalmic ointment is delayed to facilitate bonding between the newborn and the parent. Immediate skin-to-skin contact between the newborn and the parent has been shown to have several benefits, including stabilizing the newborn’s heart rate, temperature, and breathing, stimulating digestion, helping the newborn to sleep, promoting weight gain, and aiding in maternal attachment.
Choice B rationale
The newborn’s weight does not affect the timing of the instillation of antibiotic ophthalmic ointment.
Choice C rationale
Manifestations of infection in the newborn’s eyes would not be immediately apparent following birth, so this would not be a reason to delay the instillation of antibiotic ophthalmic ointment.
Choice D rationale
The mode of delivery, whether vaginal or cesarean, does not affect the timing of the instillation of antibiotic ophthalmic ointment.