Discussion Case Background: You are a school nurse at an elementary school This
ID: 242390 • Letter: D
Question
Discussion Case Background: You are a school nurse at an elementary school This morning, a First Grade Teacher brings a little girl to your office. Her name is Keisha and she is 6 years old. Her right eye is swollen and bloodshot. The lining of the lower lid is bright red There is a thick yellow discharge oozing from the corner of the eye. Keisha complains that her eye itches" and "stings." Answer the following Questions 1. What is the most likely diagnosis and what 2. What sign(s) leads you to believe that the 3. What is the treatment for this condition? 4. What are some of the eye's natural 5. What do you tell the first grade teacher? is the etiology? infection may be bacterial? Elaborate. Is the condition communicable? defenses against microbes? What can she do to prevent other students from developing the same eye infection? 6. Is this disease reportable to the CDC? Should you call Keisha's parents and tell them about their daughter's eye?Explanation / Answer
1. The most likely diagnosis is bacterial conjuctivitis and it can be due to staphylococcus aureus infection since this infection spreads easily from person to person. And also its a common among school children.
2. It is characterized by mucopurulent discharge in a single eye. Initially it starts in single eye then spread with colateral eye. It's common finding is itchyness and stinging sensation.
3. The treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis is topical antibiotic therapy to reduce the duration of symptoms like 2nd generation drug: ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin and 3rd generation drug: levofloxacin or gentamycin can be admister. Apart from that artificial tears can be administer to moisten the eye and soothening. Cold compress will reduce the inflammation. Hygienic measure will promote health and wellbeing since it s communicable disease.
4. The natural eye defenses against infections are eye lids to keep away from foreign body and to moisten it. Eyelashes will protect from dust before it get into eyes. Tears help wash away the the things that irritate eyes.
5. Advice the teacher that this infection is contagious so try to keep keisha separate from other students to prevent further more infection and inform her parents about hygienic measures and continuation of the antibiotic therapy to reduce infection.
6. Yes it's comes under CDC. Keisha parents should be informed about her condition by the school teacher.