Final answer:
The infant likely has ophthalmia neonatorum, and urgent medical treatment is needed to prevent serious complications such as vision loss. Antibiotics will be necessary to treat the bacterial infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symptoms suggest a case of ophthalmia neonatorum, and prompt medical evaluation is necessary to prevent complications such as vision loss or permanent blindness. Antibiotic treatment will likely be required to treat this infection.
Ophthalmia neonatorum is an inflammation of the conjunctiva in newborns typically caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Such infections are acquired during childbirth if the mother has an active infection. The regurgitation test showing mucopurulent discharge indicates a bacterial infection rather than a viral one, as viral conjunctivitis tends to produce a more watery discharge. Immediate medical attention is crucial since untreated infections can lead to corneal scarring and vision loss.
To manage ophthalmia neonatorum, intravenous or oral antibiotics are administered, and it is essential to follow this up with close monitoring. Preventative measures for neonatal conjunctivitis typically include the application of antibiotic ointments or drops immediately after birth to prevent such bacteria-caused infections. Advice to the mother would be to take her infant to a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment without delay.