The nurse administers erythromycin ointment (0.5%) to the eyes of a newborn and the mother asks the nurse why this is performed. Which explanation is best for the nurse to provide about neonatal eye prophylaxis?
A.
Protects the newborn's eyes from possible infections acquired while hospitalized.
B.
Prevents cataracts in the newborn born to a woman who is susceptible to rubella.
C.
Minimizes the spread of microorganisms to the newborn from invasive procedures during labor.
D.
Prevents an infection called ophthalmia neonatorum from occurring after birth in a newborn born to a woman with an untreated gonococcal infection.