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The nurse is teaching care of the newborn to a childbirth preparation class and describes the need for administering antibiotic ointment into the eyes of the newborn. An expectant father asks, "What type of disease causes infections in babies that can be prevented by using this ointment?" Which response by the nurse is accurate?
A.Herpes
B. Trichomonas
C. Gonorrhea
D. Syphilis
Answer: C
Rationale: Erythromycin ointment is instilled into the lower conjunctiva (hey! We were just wondering where to put drops yesterday!) of each eye within 2 hours after birth to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, an infection caused by gonorrhea (C), and inclusion conjunctivitis, an infection caused by Chlamydia. The infant may be exposed to these bacteria when passing through the birth canal. Ophthalmic ointment is not effective against (A, B, or D).