A nurse is assisting with the care of a newborn immediately following birth. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer? (Select all that apply.).
A.
Lidocaine gel to the umbilical stump.
B.
Hepatitis B immunization.
C.
Phytonadione injection.
D.
Antibiotic ophthalmic ointment.
E.
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib).
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answers are B. Hepatitis B immunization, C. Phytonadione injection, and D. Antibiotic ophthalmic ointment.
Explanation:
Immediately after birth, several medications are routinely administered to newborns to prevent certain health issues and ensure their well-being. Let’s break down each of the options provided:
B. Hepatitis B Immunization: Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended to be administered to all newborns before they leave the hospital, usually within 24 hours of birth. This vaccination helps protect the newborn from hepatitis B, which can be transmitted from mother to child during birth or later in life through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Administering this vaccine early helps establish immunity in the newborn, significantly reducing the risk of developing chronic hepatitis B infection.
C. Phytonadione Injection: Phytonadione, also known as vitamin K, is administered intramuscularly to newborns shortly after birth. Newborns have low levels of vitamin K, a crucial factor for blood clotting. This deficiency can lead to a condition known as hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN), which can cause severe bleeding. The administration of vitamin K helps prevent HDN by promoting proper blood clotting mechanisms in the newborn.
D. Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment: Antibiotic ophthalmic ointment, such as erythromycin, is applied to the newborn’s eyes within an hour after birth. This is done to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, which can be caused by bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis that the newborn may have been exposed to during passage through the birth canal. Left untreated, these infections can lead to serious complications, including blindness.
Incorrect Options:
A. Lidocaine Gel to the Umbilical Stump: Lidocaine gel is not a standard treatment for the umbilical stump. The umbilical stump does not typically require analgesia or local anesthesia after birth.
E. Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine (Hib): The Hib vaccine is not administered immediately after birth. It is typically given as part of the regular vaccination schedule starting at around 2 months of age to protect against infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b, such as meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis.
In summary, the routine administration of hepatitis B immunization, phytonadione injection, and antibiotic ophthalmic ointment are essential interventions for protecting newborns against potentially life-threatening conditions.