A nurse is caring for a newborn who has received erythromycin eye ointment as prophylaxis for ophthalmia neonatorum.
What should the nurse monitor for as a potential adverse reaction to this medication?
Hypersensitivity
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Strabismus
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Hypersensitivity. Erythromycin eye ointment is an antibiotic that can cause allergic reactions in some newborns, such as irritation, redness, swelling, or cloudy eyes.
This is a potential adverse reaction to this medication that the nurse should monitor for.
Choice B. Glaucoma is wrong because glaucoma is a condition that causes increased pressure in the eye and can damage the optic nerve.
It is not caused by erythromycin eye ointment.
Choice C. Cataracts is wrong because cataracts are a condition that causes clouding of the lens of the eye and can impair vision.
It is not caused by erythromycin eye ointment.
Choice D. Strabismus is wrong because strabismus is a condition that causes misalignment of the eyes and can affect depth perception.
It is not caused by erythromycin eye ointment.
Erythromycin eye ointment is used to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, which is an infection of the eye surface that affects newborns within the first month of life. It can be caused by bacteria such as chlamydia or gonorrhea that can enter the baby’s eyes during childbirth and cause permanent damage to the corneas. Erythromycin eye ointment can help prevent vision loss caused by these bacteria.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A.Washing hands before and after handling the cord stump can prevent the transmission of bacteria that can cause omphalitis, sepsis, and tetanus.
Choice B is wrong because applying petroleum jelly or ointment to the cord stump can delay its drying and increase the risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because using hydrogen peroxide to clean the cord stump can damage the healthy tissue and delay healing.
Choice D is wrong because folding down the diaper below the cord stump can expose it to urine and feces, which can contaminate it and cause infection.
The normal range for umbilical cord separation is 5 to 15 days after birth.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Nasal flaring and grunting are signs of respiratory distress in a newborn and should alert the nurse to a potential problem.
The nurse should monitor the newborn’s respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and chest movements, and notify the provider if the symptoms persist or worsen.
Choice A is wrong because molding of the head is a normal finding in a newborn who was delivered vaginally.
It is caused by the pressure of the birth canal on the skull bones and usually resolves within a few days.
Choice B is wrong because acrocyanosis of hands and feet is a normal finding in a newborn during the first 24 hours of life.
It is caused by poor peripheral circulation and does not indicate hypoxia or cyanosis.
Choice D is wrong because vernix caseosa on skin folds is a normal finding in a newborn.
It is a white, cheesy substance that protects the skin from amniotic fluid and helps with thermoregulation.
It usually disappears within a few days.
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