Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 251

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A student nurse was asked by the nurse instructor to explain the procedure for the administration of erythromycin ointment to the eyes of the newborn. Which of the following statements made by the student indicates a need for further research?

  

     A. "I will instill the eye ointment into each of the newborn's conjunctival sacs."

     B. "I need to administer the eye ointment within an hour after maternal delivery."

     C. "I will clean the newborn's eyes before instilling the ointment."

     D. "I will flush the newborn's eyes after instilling the ointment."

    

    

Correct Answer: D. “I will flush the newborn’s eyes after instilling the ointment.”

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Newborn eye prophylaxis is used for the protection against Gonorrhea or Chlamydia infection. The eyes are not flushed following the instillation of the medication because it will wash away the administered ointment.

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Option A: The correct administration of the ointment.

Option B: Instillation of eye ointment can be delayed for 1 hour to facilitate eye contact and parent-newborn bonding.

Option C: Cleaning the newborn’s eye before instilling the ointment is a standard procedure.

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