Page 871 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

United States.
2. Ophthalmic forms of erythromycin are prescribed
because it is bacteriostatic and bactericidal and
provides prophylaxis against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and
Chlamydia trachomatis.
B. Use: As a prophylactic measure to protect against N. gonorrhoeae
and C. trachomatis

C. Interventions

1. Clean the newborn’s eyes before instilling the
medication.
2. Do not flush the eyes after instillation.

Instillation of eye medication can be delayed for 1 hour after

birth to facilitate eye contact and parent-newborn attachment and
bonding.
XII. Phytonadione
A. Description
1. The newborn is at risk for hemorrhagic disorders;
coagulation factors synthesized in the liver depend on
phytonadione (also known as vitamin K), which is not
synthesized until intestinal bacteria are present.
2. Newborns are deficient in phytonadione for the first 5
to 8 days of life because of the lack of intestinal
bacteria.
B. Use: Prophylaxis and treatment of hemorrhagic disease of the
newborn
C. Adverse effect: Can cause hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn
(occurrence is rare)

D. Interventions

1. Protect the medication from light.
2. Administer during the early newborn period.
3. Administer by the intramuscular route in the lateral
aspect of the middle third of the vastus lateralis
muscle of the thigh.
4. Monitor for bruising at the injection site and for
bleeding from the cord.
5. Monitor for jaundice and monitor the bilirubin level
because, although rare, the medication can cause
hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn.
XIII. Hepatitis B Vaccine, Recombinant

A. Description: Given intramuscularly to the newborn before

discharge home
B. Use: Recommended for all newborns to prevent hepatitis B

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