A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 48 hours old and has a maternal history of methadone use during pregnancy. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as an indication of neonatal abstinence syndrome?

Choice A rationale:

Hypotonicity, or decreased muscle tone, is not an expected finding in a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawals. Opioid withdrawal symptoms usually involve increased muscle tone and jitteriness.

Choice B rationale:

Moderate tremors of the extremities are an expected finding in a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawals. Neonates born to mothers who used opioids during pregnancy can exhibit tremors, irritability, and other withdrawal symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

An axillary temperature of 36.1°C (96.9°F) is within the normal range for a newborn's body temperature, so it is not directly related to opioid withdrawal and is not the expected finding in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

Excessive sleeping is not an expected finding in a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawals. Opioid withdrawal can lead to increased wakefulness and irritability in newborns.

Choice A rationale:

Hypertonia (increased muscle tone) is not a manifestation of hypoglycemia in a newborn. Instead, hypotonia (decreased muscle tone) is more characteristic.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. Jitteriness is a common sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn. It may be accompanied by other symptoms like poor feeding, tremors, and irritability.

Choice C rationale:

Acrocyanosis (bluish discoloration of the hands and feet) is a normal finding in newborns and is not specifically associated with hypoglycemia.

Choice D rationale:

Generalized petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin) are not indicative of hypoglycemia but may be associated with other medical conditions.