A client who is positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaginally delivered a newborn.Which medication should the nurse administer to the newborn?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationale Latanoprost eye drops are used to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients and are not relevant for a newborn exposed to Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Choice B rationale Erythromycin ointment is the correct medication to administer to a newborn exposed to Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is used to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, an eye infection caused by the bacteria. Administering erythromycin ointment is essential to protect the newborn's eyes from potential blindness or severe infection. Choice C rationale Tetracaine eye drops are a topical anesthetic used to numb the eyes during procedures and are not indicated for preventing neonatal eye infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Choice D rationale Neomycin ointment is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections, but it is not the standard treatment for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns exposed to Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Erythromycin ointment is the recommended prophylactic treatment. .