The nurse is providing home care instructions to the parent of a 9-year-old child diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis. Topical antimicrobial therapy is prescribed for the child. Which statement by the parent indicates that the teaching has been effective?

A. Staying home for 2 weeks is excessive; typically, 24 to 48 hours of antimicrobial therapy is enough before the child is no longer contagious. B. While discharge is a sign of infection, the child can often return to school after receiving treatment for 24 to 48 hours. C. This is correct. Bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious, and children should stay home until they've been on antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours to reduce transmission. D. This is incorrect; the child should stay home for 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment, as they can still be contagious during that time.