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:

This is the correct choice. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the age of 2 or until they reach the maximum weight and height allowed by the car seat's manufacturer. This is because rear- facing seats provide better support for a baby's head, neck, and spine during a crash, reducing the risk of injury.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the retainer clip over the upper part of the baby's abdomen is incorrect and potentially dangerous. The retainer clip should be positioned at armpit level to secure the harness straps properly.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the baby in the car seat at a 90-degree angle is not necessary. The car seat should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the angle will vary based on the specific car seat model.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the shoulder harness straps in the slots an inch above the baby's shoulders is incorrect. The straps should be positioned at or below the baby's shoulders for rear-facing car seats and at or above the shoulders for forward-facing seats.

Choice A rationale:

The normal WBC count during pregnancy can vary, but a count of 11,000/mm³ is within an acceptable range. During pregnancy, the WBC count can be slightly elevated due to physiological changes in the body to support the growing fetus.

Choice B rationale:

The normal hemoglobin level during pregnancy is generally around 11 to 12.5 g/dL. Therefore, a hemoglobin level of 11.2 g/dL falls within the normal range, and the nurse does not need to report this finding.

Choice C rationale:

The normal hematocrit (Hct) during pregnancy can vary, but a level of 34% is within the acceptable range. Hct levels can be lower during pregnancy due to increased plasma volume, leading to a mild physiological anemia of pregnancy.

Choice D rationale:

The normal platelet count during pregnancy is typically around 150,000 to 400,000/mm³. With a platelet count of 140,000/mm³, this is slightly below the lower end of the normal range. Thrombocytopenia during pregnancy can increase the risk of bleeding, both during childbirth and postpartum, so the nurse should report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and management.