The nurse is conducting a prenatal class explaining the various activities that will occur within the first few hours after birth. The nurse determines the session is successful when the couples correctly choose which reason for the use of an antibiotic ointment.
Prevent infection of the umbilical cord
Prevent infection of the eyes from vaginal bacteria
Protect tear ducts from vaginal bacteria
Protect the urethra from fecal material
The Correct Answer is B
Prevent infection of the eyes from vaginal bacteria. This is because some newborns can be exposed to bacteria such as gonorrhea or chlamydia during delivery, which can cause a serious eye infection called gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum (GON). Applying an antibiotic ointment such as erythromycin or ilotycin can prevent GON and other less severe eye infections by killing the bacteria.
Choice A is not correct because the umbilical cord does not need antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. It should be kept clean and dry until it falls off naturally.
Choice C is not correct because the tear ducts are not affected by vaginal bacteria. They are small tubes that drain tears from the eyes to the nose.
Choice D is not correct because the urethra is not a common site of infection for newborns. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This action helps to prevent cold stress. This is because cold stress is a condition where the newborn's core temperature drops below 36.5°C and they use energy and oxygen to generate warmth. This can lead to hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, hypoxia, and an increased risk of infection.
Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer provides thermal stability and prevents heat loss by radiation.
Choice B is wrong because thermogenesis is the process of heat production, not a complication.
Choice C is wrong because shivering is a mechanism of heat production in adults, not in newborns.
Choice D is wrong because brown fat production is a normal feature of newborns that helps them generate heat by lipolysis.
Here is an image of a newborn under a radiant warmer.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Wash hands before touching each baby. This is because hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent infection transmission in the nursery. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after every patient contact, as well as before and after wearing gloves or handling equipment. Hand hygiene can be done by washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rubs.
Choice A is not correct because adjusting room temperature between 75°F and 80°F is not a measure to protect newborns from infection. The room temperature should be maintained within a comfortable range for newborns, but it does not affect infection risk.
Choice B is not correct because wearing a disposable gown when giving infant care is not a measure to protect newborns from infection. Disposable gowns are part of contact precautions, which are used for patients with known or suspected infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact. They are not necessary for routine infant care.
Choice C is not correct because keeping the newborn dressed warmly is not a measure to protect newborns from infection. Keeping the newborn dressed warmly can help prevent heat loss and hypothermia, but it does not affect infection risk.
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