A parent of a 2-week-old newborn reports persistent tearing and yellow crusting in one eye. The sclera is white, and the infant is afebrile. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

A. Apply warm compresses and administer prescribed antibiotic ointment twice daily: The presentation is consistent with a blocked nasolacrimal duct rather than an infection, as indicated by a white sclera and absence of fever. Antibiotic ointment is not routinely indicated unless there are signs of bacterial conjunctivitis such as significant redness or systemic symptoms. B. Keep the eye covered to prevent further irritation: Covering the eye does not address the underlying obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct and may promote moisture retention, increasing the risk of secondary infection. Proper hygiene and drainage facilitation are more appropriate interventions. C. Gently massage the lacrimal sac several times daily: Massaging the lacrimal sac helps open the obstructed nasolacrimal duct and promotes drainage of accumulated tears and debris. This is the first-line management for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and is typically effective in resolving symptoms over time. D. Irrigate the eye with sterile saline every 2 hours until drainage resolves: Frequent irrigation is unnecessary and may irritate the delicate tissues of the newborn’s eye. Management focuses on relieving the obstruction through massage rather than continuous flushing, which does not correct the underlying cause.