North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What provides the best protection against ophthalmic infection from gonorrhea or chlamydia?

1. 1% Silver nitrate

2. 0.5% Erythromycin ointment

3. Antibiotic eye drops

4. Warm saline solution

The correct answer is: 0.5% Erythromycin ointment

The use of 0.5% erythromycin ointment provides the best protection against ophthalmic infection from gonorrhea or chlamydia due to its effectiveness as a prophylactic treatment for neonates at risk of conjunctivitis caused by these sexually transmitted infections. Erythromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that specifically targets the bacteria responsible for eye infections, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. When administered shortly after birth, erythromycin ointment prevents the development of conjunctivitis, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated, such as corneal scarring and blindness. This intervention aligns with current medical guidelines and practices aimed at safeguarding newborns from these infections that can be transmitted during the birthing process when the mother has an active infection. Other options may also serve various purposes in ocular health, but they do not provide the same level of targeted protection. Silver nitrate can cause chemical burns and is less effective against chlamydia. Antibiotic eye drops may be beneficial in specific scenarios but are generally not the standard prophylactic treatment for neonates. Warm saline solution does not have antibacterial properties and would not protect against the pathogens causing gonococcal or chlamydial conjunctivitis. Consequently,