Question

An infant exhibits purulent conjunctivitis on the fourth day of life and is brought to the emergency department. What is the priority nursing action?

a. Assessing the infant for signs of pneumonia

b. Securing a prescription for allergy testing of the infant

c. Bathing the infant's eyes with a tepid boric acid solution

d. Teaching the mother to wash her hands before touching the infant

Answer 1

A. Assessing the infant for signs of pneumonia

Step-by-step explanation:

Chlamydia trachomatis is generally associated with the development of pneumonia in the newborn baby. Purulent conjunctivitis at this time suggests a Chlamydia infection, it is not an allergic response. Boric acid solution cannot be prescribed; a prescribed antibiotic is required. Teaching the mother to wash her hands before touching the infant is obvious; however, the important is assessing the infant for signs of pneumonia by nurse.