Question

Which responses by the student indicate an understanding of erythromycin administration? (select all that apply. one, some, or all options may be correct.) A. It is given as a prophylactic eye treatment against ophthalmia neonatorum.

B. The medication is given once intramuscularly one hour after birth.
C. Erythromycin is given within one to two hours after birth.
D. The ointment is applied to the lower conjunctival sac of each eye.
E. The medication can be rinsed out of the eyes within one minute of administration.

Answer 1

The correct indications of understanding erythromycin administration for the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum are A, C, and D, with the ointment being applied to the newborn's lower conjunctival sac and not given intramuscularly or rinsed out immediately after application.

Step-by-step explanation:

The administration of erythromycin as a preventive measure against ophthalmia neonatorum shows a good understanding when the student acknowledges that:

• A. It is given as a prophylactic eye treatment against ophthalmia neonatorum.
• C. Erythromycin is given within one to two hours after birth, which is the common practice for preventing bacterial eye infections in newborns.
• D. The ointment is applied to the lower conjunctival sac of each eye to ensure the medication covers the area where the infection is most likely to occur.

The other statements are incorrect because:

• B. Erythromycin for ophthalmia neonatorum is not typically given intramuscularly; it is applied as an ointment to the eyes.
• E. The medication should not be rinsed out of the eyes, especially not within one minute of administration, as it needs time to work effectively.