A father watching the admission of his newborn to the nursery notices that eye ointment is placed in the infant's eyes. He asks the nurse what is the purpose of the ointment. Which response by the nurse will best explain the purpose for administering the ointment?

Choice A rationale The ointment used in newborns does not dilate the pupil. It is not intended to aid in the visualization of the red reflex. The red reflex can be observed without the need for any ointment. Choice B rationale The ointment does not prevent herpes infections. It is specifically used to prevent bacterial eye infections caused by organisms such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be present in the birth canal. Choice C rationale The ointment will prevent eye infections. This is the correct explanation. The eye ointment, typically erythromycin or tetracycline, is applied to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, a type of conjunctivitis caused by bacteria that the newborn might be exposed to during delivery. Choice D rationale The ointment will not clear the infant's vision. Newborns naturally have somewhat blurry vision at birth, and the ointment does not enhance or clear their vision. Its primary purpose is to prevent bacterial infections.