Which antiseptic should not be used on pre-term infants or those under 2 months of age?

Chlorhexidine gluconate is the correct answer because it is known to pose risks to pre-term infants and those under 2 months of age. Studies have shown that using chlorhexidine in this vulnerable population can lead to skin absorption and potential toxicity due to the immature skin barrier and metabolic system of these infants. In fact, there is evidence suggesting that chlorhexidine may be associated with adverse effects such as skin irritation and altered skin flora.

In contrast, iodine solutions (the other antiseptic), while also needing careful use, are typically managed more effectively in terms of skin absorption for this age group when applied appropriately. Alcohol swabs are commonly used for skin disinfection but can cause dryness and irritation; however, they generally do not carry the specific toxicity concerns that chlorhexidine does. Hydrogen peroxide, while not ideal due to its potential to irritate the skin, is also generally considered less risky than chlorhexidine in terms of systemic absorption and toxicity in these young patients. This emphasizes the importance of making careful decisions related to antiseptic use in populations with special vulnerabilities, such as pre-term infants.