A baby is born to a mother who has gonorrhea. What intervention must the nurse perform soon after ...

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If the organism causing gonorrhea gets into the newborn's eyes during delivery, it causes a bilateral conjunctivitis (eyelid inflammation). If untreated, this condition can lead to blindness (ophthalmia neonatorum). The prophylactic installation of antibiotic ointment into the eyes soon after birth prevents this condition. If the mother tests positive for syphilis, prompt treatment with penicillin early in pregnancy will prevent harmful effects on the newborn. The newborn infected with thrush is isolated and treated with nystatin (Mycostatin, Nilstat) by mouth or, less frequently, with a 1 to 2 aqueous solution of gentian violet. Care of newborns with chemically dependent mothers is based on the type and extent of withdrawal symptoms, and focuses on ensuring adequate respiration, nutrition, and temperature.