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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A score of 9 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screen (EPDS) on postpartum day 2 is below the clinical cutoff score of 10, which is used to distinguish health controls versus possible depression. Therefore, this score would not indicate a high risk of developing a depressive disorder.
Choice B rationale
A score of 11 on the EPDS on postpartum day 30 is above the clinical cutoff score of 1034. This score indicates a high risk of developing a depressive disorder. Therefore, further assessment and possible intervention would be necessary.
Choice C rationale
While discharge teaching is an important aspect of postpartum care, it does not provide information about the client’s risk of developing postpartum depression. Therefore, this choice does not answer the question.
Choice D rationale
A follow-up appointment with a provider in 4 weeks is a standard part of postpartum care, but it does not provide information about the client’s risk of developing postpartum depression.
Therefore, this choice does not answer the question.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Holding the finger above the heart prior to puncture does not affect the accuracy of a blood glucose test.
Choice B rationale
Smearing the blood onto the reagent strip can result in inaccurate readings.
Choice C rationale
Puncturing the finger while still damp with antiseptic solution can cause discomfort and potentially contaminate the sample.
Choice D rationale
Selecting the lateral side of the finger for puncture is recommended because it is less painful and has good blood flow.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.