A nurse is admitting a term newborn to the nursery following a cesarean birth. The nurse observes that the newborn's skin is slightly yellow. This finding indicates the newborn is experiencing a complication related to which of the following?

Choice A reason:

Blood pressure is not a priority finding for a newborn with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Blood pressure is usually normal or slightly elevated in NAS, and it is not a reliable indicator of the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Choice B reason:

Gastrointestinal disturbances are a common and serious finding for a newborn with NAS. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and poor weight gain. Projectile vomiting can also increase the risk of aspiration. This finding requires immediate follow-up and intervention.

Choice C reason:

Skin color is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Acrocyanosis (bluish color of the hands and feet) is a normal finding in newborns and does not indicate hypoxia or poor circulation. It usually resolves within the first few days of life.

Choice D reason:

NAS score is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. NAS score is a tool used to assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the need for pharmacological treatment. It is based on a set of clinical signs and symptoms that are scored at regular intervals. However, it is not a substitute for clinical judgment and individualized care. The NAS score alone does not determine the urgency of follow-up.

Choice E reason:

Temperature is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. The temperature may be slightly elevated or normal in NAS, and it is not a specific sign of infection or withdrawal. Temperature regulation is important for newborns, but it is not an immediate concern in this case.

Choice F reason:

Oxygen saturation is a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Tachypnea (rapid breathing) and retractions (inward movement of the chest wall) are signs of respiratory distress, which can compromise oxygen delivery to the tissues and organs. Hypoxia (low oxygen level) can cause brain damage, organ failure, and death if not corrected promptly. This finding requires immediate follow-up and intervention.

Choice G reason:

Central nervous system disturbances are a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Increased muscle tone, tremors, high-pitched cries, and seizures are signs of neurological dysfunction, which can indicate brain injury, bleeding, or infection. Seizures can also worsen hypoxia and metabolic acidosis. This finding requires immediate follow-up and intervention.

Choice H reason:

Respiratory rate is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Respiratory rate may be increased or normal in NAS, and it is not a specific sign of respiratory distress or infection. Respiratory rate should be monitored along with other vital signs, but.

Choice A reason:

Stop breastfeeding. This is the correct answer because newborns and infants with galactosemia cannot metabolize galactose, a sugar found in milk and lactose-containing formulas, including breast milk. Galactose can build up in their blood and cause serious complications such as liver damage, cataracts, brain damage, and even death. Therefore, the therapeutic management for this newborn is to stop breastfeeding and switch to a soy or elemental formula that contains no galactose.

Choice B reason:

Add amino acids to the breast milk. This is incorrect because adding amino acids to breast milk will not prevent the accumulation of galactose in the newborn's blood. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not sugars. Adding amino acids to breast milk will not change its galactose content or help the newborn metabolize it.

Choice C reason:

Substitute a lactose-containing formula for breast milk. This is incorrect because lactose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose. Lactose-containing formulas will also expose the newborn to galactose, which they cannot break down. Lactose-containing formulas should be avoided in newborns and infants with galactosemia.

Choice D reason:

Give the appropriate enzyme along with breast milk. This is incorrect because there is no enzyme therapy available for galactosemia. Galactosemia is caused by a genetic defect in one of the enzymes involved in the breakdown of galactose, such as galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT), galactokinase (GALK), or uridine diphosphate galactose-4-epimerase (GALE). Giving an enzyme along with breast milk will not correct this defect or prevent the harmful effects of galactose accumulation.