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A nurse is caring for a newborn who has neonatal abstinence syndrome. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A.

Swaddle the newborn with his legs extended.

B.

Schedule larger volume feedings at less frequent intervals.

C.

Maintain eye contact with the newborn during feedings.

D.

Plan care to minimize handling of the newborn.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale: 
Swaddling the newborn with his legs extended is not the appropriate action for a newborn with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS occurs when a baby is born dependent on drugs, usually because the mother used opioids during pregnancy. Swaddling may provide some comfort, but extending the legs could increase discomfort and agitation. 

Choice B rationale: 
Scheduling larger volume feedings at less frequent intervals is not the correct approach for a  newborn with NAS. These infants often have feeding difficulties and may require smaller,  more frequent feedings to reduce the risk of aspiration. 

Choice C rationale: 
Maintaining eye contact with the newborn during feedings may not be well-tolerated by a  baby with NAS. They can be irritable and easily overstimulated, and eye contact during feeding may exacerbate their agitation. 

Choice D rationale:
Planning care to minimize handling of the newborn is the most appropriate action for a baby with NAS. These infants are sensitive to stimuli and can become agitated easily, so minimizing unnecessary handling helps reduce their distress. 

The correct answer is D. Plan care to minimize handling of the newborn.

Here's why:

  • Swaddling with legs extended: This is not recommended as it can be uncomfortable for the newborn and may exacerbate withdrawal symptoms.
  • Larger volume feedings at less frequent intervals: This can be difficult for newborns with NAS due to their increased metabolic rate and may lead to overfeeding.
  • Maintaining eye contact during feedings: While this is important for bonding, it can be overwhelming for newborns with NAS, who often prefer a calm environment.

Minimizing handling is a key intervention in caring for newborns with NAS. Excessive handling can trigger withdrawal symptoms and make the newborn more irritable. Instead, focus on gentle, soothing techniques like swaddling with arms tucked in, rocking, and providing a quiet, dimly lit environment.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is c. Cleanse the newborn immediately after delivery. This is because cleansing the newborn can reduce the risk of HIV transmission through exposure to maternal blood or fluids. The other options are not appropriate for the following reasons:

a. Administer IV antibiotics to the newborn. This is not necessary unless the newborn has signs of infection or sepsis. Antibiotics do not prevent or treat HIV infection.
b. Encourage the mother to breastfeed her newborn. This is contraindicated for mothers with HIV, as breastfeeding can transmit the virus to the infant. Mothers with HIV should avoid breastfeeding and use formula or donor milk instead.
d. Initiate contact precautions for the newborn. This is not required for newborns exposed to HIV, as HIV is not transmitted by casual contact. Standard precautions are sufficient to prevent the spread of HIV and other bloodborne pathogens.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The correct answer is choice B: Administer a bolus infusion of lactated Ringer’s.

Choice A rationale:

Positioning the client in a knee-chest position is not the standard intervention for maternal hypotension following epidural placement. This position is more commonly associated with cord prolapse or to relieve pressure on the vena cava.

Choice B rationale:

Administering a bolus infusion of lactated Ringer’s is the correct action. Hypotension during epidural analgesia is treated with additional intravenous boluses of crystalloid solution. This helps to increase the circulating blood volume and counteract the vasodilation caused by the epidural.

Choice C rationale:

Terbutaline is a medication used to relax the uterus and prevent premature labor, not for treating hypotension.

Choice D rationale:

Applying oxygen via a nonrebreather face mask at 2 L/min is not the primary treatment for maternal hypotension. Oxygen may be used as a supportive measure if there is evidence of fetal distress or maternal hypoxemia, but the first line of treatment for hypotension is fluid administration.

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