Final answer:
The likely diagnosis for a patient with 7-14 days of red conjunctiva and mucoid/mucopurulent discharge with eyelid swelling is acute bacterial conjunctivitis. Treatment for this condition typically includes good hygiene practices and antibiotic therapy such as topical erythromycin or azithromycin. Cultures may be necessary if the infection does not respond to empirical treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student presents with symptoms suggesting acute bacterial conjunctivitis characterized by mucopurulent discharge, red conjunctiva, and eyelid swelling. The diagnosis can be supported by the appearance of the eye and symptoms, such as a thick, colored discharge, typically yellow, green, or white, along with redness and swelling of the eye lining and eyelids.
The treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis involves proper hygiene to reduce the spread of infection and the use of antibiotic therapy to clear the infection. Commonly prescribed antibiotics may include topical antibiotics such as erythromycin ointment or azithromycin eye drops. For severe cases, oral antibiotics may also be prescribed. It is important to follow up with an eye specialist if symptoms do not improve with initial treatment to rule out other potential causes or complications such as corneal scarring.
Cultures are typically not necessary unless there is a lack of response to empirical therapy or if the infection is recurrent. However, in the case of a child with recurring bouts of conjunctivitis, a culture may be warranted to determine the specific causative agent and tailor the treatment.