A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth who has a prescription for erythromycin ophthalmic ointment.

The guardian refuses the medication. Which action should the nurse take?

Document the guardian’s refusal of the medication.

Inform the guardian that the medication can be given after discharge.

Report the guardian’s refusal of the medication to social services.

Notify the facility’s ethics committee about the guardian’s medication refusal.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is administered to newborns to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, specifically for Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection prevention. If the guardian refuses the administration of erythromycin, the healthcare provider should respect the guardian’s decision and document the refusal. It’s important to note that the refusal should be informed, meaning the guardian should understand the potential risks associated with not administering the medication.
Choice B rationale
Informing the guardian that the medication can be given after discharge may not be the best course of action. The purpose of the ointment is to prevent infection immediately after birth when the risk is highest. Delaying the administration could potentially increase the risk of the newborn developing an infection.
Choice C rationale
Reporting the guardian’s refusal of the medication to social services is not the first step unless there are other concerns about the safety or well-being of the child. The healthcare provider should respect the guardian’s autonomy and their right to make informed decisions about the newborn’s care.
Choice D rationale
Notifying the facility’s ethics committee about the guardian’s medication refusal is not typically necessary unless the refusal puts the newborn at significant risk and other attempts to resolve the situation have failed. In this case, the refusal of erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, while not ideal, is not likely to warrant an ethics consultation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A WBC count of 11,000/mm is slightly above the normal range (5,000 to 10,000/mm), but it is not uncommon for the WBC count to increase during pregnancy due to physiological changes and increased stress on the body. However, a significantly elevated WBC count could indicate an infection or other medical condition, so it should be monitored closely.
Choice B rationale
A fasting blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL is significantly above the normal range (74 to 106 mg/dL), indicating hyperglycemia. This could be a sign of gestational diabetes, a condition that can develop during pregnancy and cause high blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of various pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, premature birth, and having a baby with a high birth weight. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider immediately.
Choice C rationale
A hematocrit level of 37% is within the normal range (37% to 47%), so it would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice D rationale
A creatinine level of 0.9 mg/dL is within the normal range (0.5 to 1 mg/dL), so it would not typically be a cause for concern.

A. Assist the client in pulling their knees toward their abdomen. B. Press firmly on the client’s suprapubic area. C. Apply pressure to the client’s fundus. D. Move the client onto their hands and knees.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

In the event of shoulder dystocia during the second stage of labor, the provider may instruct the nurse to perform the McRoberts maneuver. This involves assisting the client in pulling their knees toward their abdomen. This position effectively flattens the sacrum, changes the angle of the pelvic inlet, and allows more room for the baby to pass through the birth canal.

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A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth who has a prescription for erythromycin ophthalmic ointment. The guardian refuses the medication. Which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

“A nurse is reviewing laboratory findings for a patient who is at 20 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is in the second stage of labor and is experiencing shoulder dystocia. The provider instructs the nurse to perform the McRoberts maneuver. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a newborn immediately following birth who has a prescription for erythromycin ophthalmic ointment.

The guardian refuses the medication. Which action should the nurse take?