Final answer:
The nurse should notify the doctor when a 2-day-old infant has small pustules on the skin. The presence of P. aeruginosa can indicate a self-limiting condition, but a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary to determine the proper course of treatment, which may include the use of a corticosteroid cream to manage symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Response to Presence of Pustules on an Infant's Skin
When a 2-day-old infant presents with small pustules on their skin, as per the scenario provided where an infant's skin sample tested positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), it's crucial to consider the typical behavior of the pathogen. P. aeruginosa is known for being resistant to multiple antibiotics. Therefore, the initial approach to treatment may not necessarily involve immediate antibiotic therapy, particularly if the skin condition is self-limiting. In the case of Penny's skin infection, although P. aeruginosa was present, it was determined that the condition would resolve on its own without the need for antibiotics. The prescribed treatment was the application of a corticosteroid cream to alleviate the symptoms and reduce inflammation.
Considering similar cases and based on the details provided about Penny, the nurse's best course of action should therefore be to notify the doctor of the infant's condition. Even though some infections may resolve independently, it is essential for a healthcare provider to evaluate the infant and decide on the appropriate clinical management. The nurse should not independently decide to ignore the pustules or prematurely apply any topical creams without a doctor's evaluation. A professional assessment is required to determine the nature of the pustules, and if it is something like impetigo or another condition that requires specific treatment.