Herzing University HESI Maternity Related

Review Herzing University HESI Maternity related questions and content

A father watching the admission of his newborn to the nursery notices that eye ointment is placed in the infant's eyes. He asks the nurse what is the purpose of the ointment. The nurse would be correct in stating that the purpose for using the ointment is to

  • A. dilate the pupil so the red reflex can be visualized
  • B. prevent herpes infection.
  • C. prevent eye infections
  • D. clear the infant's vision
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Antibiotic eye ointment, typically erythromycin, is applied to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, particularly from gonorrhea or chlamydia, which can be transmitted during birth.