During a routine morning nursery round, a physician evaluates a newborn male at 48 hours of life. The infant was delivered vaginally at 39 weeks gestation to a 22-year-old primigravida who received limited prenatal care. Maternal admission laboratory screening for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis were negative, but her Group B Streptococcus status was unknown. The newborn is breastfeeding vigorously and has had appropriate wet diapers and meconium passage. Vital signs show a temperature of 37.1 °C (98.8 °F), heart rate of 142/min, and respiratory rate of 42/min. Physical examination reveals an alert, well-appearing infant. There is a diffuse cutaneous eruption consisting of multiple 2- to 3-mm firm, yellowish pustules, each surrounded by a prominent erythematous macular base. The lesions are scattered across the chest, abdomen, and proximal thighs, but the palms and soles are completely clear. Mucous membranes are moist without lesions. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
- Reassurance and continued routine newborn careCevap
- BInitiation of intravenous acyclovir therapy
- CAdministration of intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin
- DApplication of topical mupirocin to the affected skin areas
- EGram stain and bacterial culture of the pustule contents