What is the name of the gonorrhea conjunctivitis that neonates can get during birth?

Prepare for the Mark Klimek Blue Book Part 1 Exam. Study with multiple choice questions, flashcards, and comprehensive explanations. Get ready for your nursing exam!

Ophthalmia neonatorum is the correct term for the form of conjunctivitis that can occur in newborns as a result of exposure to pathogens, most commonly Neisseria gonorrhoeae, during delivery. This condition typically develops within the first month of life and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

Understanding this term is important in the context of neonatology and pediatrics because timely diagnosis and intervention can help prevent severe outcomes such as blindness. Components related to the normal flora or environmental factors (like the conditions listed in the other options) do not specifically denote the gonorrhea-related conjunctivitis associated with childbirth.

Dacryocystitis refers to an inflammation of the tear sac, while neonatal keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, and purulent conjunctivitis refers to any eye infection that produces pus. These terms do not specifically relate to the consequences of gonorrheal infection in neonates, which is precisely what ophthalmia neonatorum describes. Thus, the significance of this knowledge highlights the need for appropriate screening and prophylactic measures to protect newborns from potential infections during delivery.

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