A nurse is providing information about newborn security to the parents of a newborn. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

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.

Step 1 is to apply a warm cloth to the newborn’s heel for 5 to 10 minutes. Warming the heel improves blood flow to the area, making it easier to obtain a blood sample.

Step 2 is to clean the area with an antiseptic. This is to prevent infection.

Step 3 is to puncture the outer aspect of the newborn’s heel. The outer aspect of the heel is less sensitive and less likely to be injured by the lancet.

Step 4 is to collect the blood specimen. After the heel has been punctured, blood will start to flow out and can be collected.

Step 5 is to apply pressure to the site with a dry gauze pad. This is to stop the bleeding after the blood sample has been collected.