1. Preparing for OB Clinicals: Administering Neonatal Medications

2. Eye Ointment
Rationale: Administer antibacterial agent to newborn eyes to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum due to chlamydia or gonorrhea
Drug of choice: Erythromycin 0.5% (5 mg/gm)

3. To Administer:
Clean newborn’s eyelids with a clean, warm wash cloth but only if there is excessive vernix
Use a different corner of the cloth for each eye to prevent cross-contamination
Open eyelid and apply a ribbon of ointment into the conjunctival sac
Start at the inner canthus and move towards the outer canthus/eye
Repeat in opposite eye being sure not to cross contaminate
Do not rinse eyelids. Leave on for at least 30 minutes

5. Considerations
Some infants develop a mild inflammation after prophylactic treatment of the eyes. Usually resolves spontaneously
The medication temporarily blurs the infant’s vision; parents may wish to delay treatment during the initial bonding period

6. Vitamin K
Rationale: Adminster vitamin K (AquaMEPHYTON) intramuscularly to prevent bleeding problems until infant can produce its own clotting factors
Dose: 1 mg per 0.5 mL

7. Injection Site: Vastus Lateralis Muscle

8. To Administer: Use the vastus lateralis muscle in the thigh
Use the outer third (outer aspect) of the thigh
Mid-way between the greater trochanter and the patella
Stabilize the leg by holding the back of the thigh
Clean skin with alcohol swab; circular motion
Use 25 gauge 5/8” inch needle
Enter at a 90 degree angle; (Z-track NOT used)
Aspirate; if blood is drawn, remove and start over
Inject the medication quickly; remove the needle and massage area with 2 X 2 gauze (not an alcohol swab! Gauze will stop the bleeding; alcohol swab will make it bleed more)

9. Stabilizing the Infant’s Leg

10. Hepatitis B Vaccine
Rationale: To prevent the infant from acquiring the Hepatitis B virus
Dose: 10 mcg/0.5 mL
Pre-filled syringes; attach a 25 gauge 5/8” needle
Refridgerated

11. To Administer:
Use the same technique as used for Vitamin K administration however use the opposite leg
This vaccine requires informed signed consent. Do not administer until you see the signed form!
Document the injection in the newborn’s blue immunization record