Question

The nurse is preparing to administer erythromycin ophthalmic ointment 0.5% to a newborn after birth. Which of the following nursing actions would be appropriate? (Circle all that apply.)

a. Administer the ointment within 30 minutes of the birth.
b. Wear gloves.
c. Cleanse eyes if secretions are present.
d. Squeeze an ointment ribbon of 1 to 2 inches into the lower conjunctival sac.
e. Wipe away excess ointment after 1 minute.
f. Apply the ointment from inner to outer canthus.

Answer 1

The appropriate nursing actions for administering erythromycin ophthalmic ointment 0.5% to a newborn after birth include wearing gloves, cleansing eyes if secretions are present, and applying the ointment from inner to outer canthus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate nursing actions for administering erythromycin ophthalmic ointment 0.5% to a newborn after birth include:

• Wear gloves: This is important to maintain proper hygiene and prevent cross-contamination.
• Cleanse eyes if secretions are present: If there are any secretions or debris in the newborn's eyes, they should be gently cleansed with sterile saline or water.
• Apply the ointment from inner to outer canthus: The ointment should be applied along the lower conjunctival sac, starting from the inner corner of the eye and moving towards the outer corner.