A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a new mother about facility security measures. Which of the following statements by the mother indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism, and monitoring the TSH levels helps determine the effectiveness of the medication.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a test used to assess kidney function and is not specifically related to thyroid function or levothyroxine therapy.

Prothrombin time (PT) is a test used to evaluate the clotting ability of the blood and is not directly related to thyroid function or levothyroxine therapy.

Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are used to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and evaluate acid-base balance. ABGs are not specifically related to thyroid function or levothyroxine therapy.

Explanation

B. Wipe any excess medication from the inner canthus outward

Bacitracin ophthalmic ointment is an antibiotic medication commonly used to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

Wiping any excess medication from the inner canthus outward, is important to prevent the accumulation of excessive ointment, which can cause discomfort and affect vision. Using a clean, sterile cotton ball or tissue, the nurse should gently wipe any excess ointment from the inner corner of the eye (inner canthus) and then move outward to remove the excess ointment.

Gently massaging the eyelid to facilitate absorption of the medication in (option A) is not recommended. It can potentially cause discomfort or further irritation to the affected eye, especially in a young child. The ointment will naturally spread across the eye as the child blinks.

Placing an occlusive dressing on the affected eye in (option C) is not necessary for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. It may impede proper air circulation and potentially worsen the infection. It is important to promote hygiene and prevent the spread of infection by encouraging proper handwashing and avoiding touching or rubbing the affected eye.

Instructing the guardian to apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment every morning for 14 days in (option D) is not appropriate in this case. Erythromycin is an alternative antibiotic commonly used for conjunctivitis, but since the child has been prescribed bacitracin ophthalmic ointment, the appropriate course of treatment would be to follow the prescribed medication as directed by the healthcare provider.