Final answer:
The nurse should teach the parents to massage the nasolacrimal duct gently and be careful to prevent the spread of infection. Referral to an ophthalmologist is considered if the condition does not improve. Preventative treatments with antibacterial drops or creams are essential to prevent serious complications like gonoccocal ophthalmia neonatorum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse caring for a 3-month-old with nasolacrimal duct obstruction would focus on interventions to manage the condition and prevent complications. An essential aspect of care would include B) Teaching the parents how to gently massage the duct, which can help facilitate drainage and potentially resolve the obstruction.
It's also important to A) Be careful to prevent the spread of infection, as the stagnation of tears can provide a medium for bacterial growth, possibly leading to dacryocystitis, which is the inflammation of the lacrimal sac.
While C) Applying hot moist compresses may provide relief, it is not typically the first line of intervention for nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants. Lastly, D) Referral to an ophthalmologist is usually considered if the obstruction does not resolve on its own or if complications arise.
Preventative treatments like applying antibacterial creams or drops shortly after birth help prevent conditions such as gonoccocal ophthalmia neonatorum.
Additionally, if a child presents with symptoms similar to Olivia's in the clinical focus—with excessive crying, irritability, sensitivity to light, unusual lethargy, and vomiting—it's critical to pursue immediate medical attention as these could indicate a serious bacterial infection requiring aggressive treatment with oral or intravenous antibiotics.