OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

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Which substance is used to prevent gonococcal infections by cleansing newborns' eyes?

Benzyl peroxide
Silver nitrate
Glutaraldehyde
Iodophors

The correct answer is: Silver nitrate

Silver nitrate is used to prevent gonococcal infections in newborns by cleansing their eyes. This practice, known as prophylaxis, is crucial because gonorrhea can be transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth, potentially leading to severe complications, including blindness. Silver nitrate acts as an antimicrobial agent, effectively killing the bacteria responsible for the infection. It has been used for this purpose since the late 19th century and remains a standard procedure in many medical settings to protect newborns from such infections. Other substances listed, while they may have antiseptic or disinfectant properties, are not specifically indicated for this use. Benzyl peroxide is primarily used for acne treatment, glutaraldehyde is a high-level disinfectant used for sterilizing medical equipment, and iodophors are commonly used as skin antiseptics. None of these serve the specific purpose of preventing gonococcal infections in newborns' eyes, highlighting the importance of silver nitrate in neonatal care.