The primary purpose of administering erythromycin eye ointment to newborns after birth is to ______.

Correct option is C

Sol. Erythromycin eye ointment is given to newborns to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum), commonly caused by bacterial infections such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. This condition can lead to severe eye damage and blindness if untreated. The ointment serves as a prophylactic measure in newborn care to protect against maternal transmission of infections during childbirth.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Prevent diaper rash – Incorrect. Diaper rash is a skin condition caused by moisture, irritation, or fungal infections, and it is not prevented by eye ointment.
· (b) Prevent jaundice – Incorrect. Jaundice in newborns is caused by high bilirubin levels and is treated with phototherapy or exchange transfusion, not with erythromycin eye ointment.
· (c) Prevent pink eye – Correct answer. Neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum) is a serious eye infection that erythromycin ointment is specifically used to prevent.
· (d) Prevent respiratory infections – Incorrect. Respiratory infections in newborns are usually caused by viral or bacterial pathogens, and erythromycin eye ointment has no effect on preventing lung infections.