You are the school nurse at Willowdale Elementary. This morning Ms. Mathews, one of the first-grade teachers, brings in a little girl to your office. Her right eye is swollen and bloodshot. The lining of the lower lid is bright red. There is a thick yellow discharge in the corner of the eye.
1. What is the most likely diagnosis, and what is the etiology?
2. What sign leads you to believe that the infection is bacterial in origin?
3. How is the infection treated? Elaborate. Is this condition communicable?
4. What are some of the eye's natural defenses that help prevent infections?
5. Are there steps the teacher should take to prevent the spread of this infection in the classroom? If so, what are they?