A parent reports to the nurse that her child has inflamed conjunctivae of both eyes with purulent drainage and crusting of the eyelids, especially on awakening. These manifestations suggest:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The symptoms described by the parent, which include inflamed conjunctivae of both eyes with purulent drainage and crusting of the eyelids, are indicative of bacterial conjunctivitis. Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically associated with these symptoms, along with redness, irritation, and a sensation of a foreign body in the eye. It is common for bacterial conjunctivitis symptoms to be most pronounced upon awakening due to the accumulation of discharge overnight. Treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis often involves antibiotic eye drops.