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
Dehydration could be a result of prolonged nausea and vomiting, but it is not the primary condition. Dehydration is a complication, not the cause of the symptoms.
Choice B rationale
The patient is most likely experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. It’s more extreme than the typical morning sickness experienced during pregnancy and can lead to weight loss and dehydration. The nurse should ensure the patient stays hydrated and monitor their weight. Antiemetic medications may be prescribed to help control the vomiting.
Choice C rationale
Gastroenteritis typically involves both vomiting and diarrhea, often accompanied by abdominal pain and fever. The patient’s symptoms do not indicate gastroenteritis.
Choice D rationale
Food poisoning is usually associated with consuming contaminated food or water and often involves symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which the patient does not report.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s is not the best action for a client with peripartum cardiomyopathy. This condition is a form of heart failure that occurs during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months postpartum. It can lead to fluid overload, so giving an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s could exacerbate the client’s condition.
Choice B rationale
Assessing blood pressure twice daily is important for any postpartum client, but it is not the most critical action for a client with peripartum cardiomyopathy. This condition can lead to fluid overload and heart failure, so while monitoring blood pressure is important, it is not the primary intervention.
Choice C rationale
Restricting daily oral fluid intake is the correct action. Peripartum cardiomyopathy can lead to fluid overload and heart failure. Restricting fluid intake can help manage the client’s fluid status and prevent exacerbation of heart failure.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a prescription for misoprostol is not relevant in this context. Misoprostol is a medication used to prevent stomach ulcers in patients taking NSAIDs and to induce labor or cause an abortion. It has no role in the management of peripartum cardiomyopathy.
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