A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 56 hours old.
Vital signs at 0700: Heart rate 168/min, Respiratory rate 70/min, Temperature 36.1°C (97.0°F), Oxygen saturation 97%. The nurse reviews the assessment findings and determines the findings are consistent with which of the following complications?

Choice A rationale

Abnormal stool patterns can be a sign of various issues in newborns, but they do not align with the vital signs presented. The vital signs suggest a more systemic issue rather than one isolated to digestive patterns.

Choice B rationale

While temperature regulation is critical in newborns, especially those who are preterm, the vital signs presented suggest a broader systemic issue. The symptoms do not align with isolated temperature dysregulation.

Choice C rationale

Feeding difficulties can be a sign of neonatal abstinence syndrome but are not directly reflected in the vital signs presented. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) encompasses a range of withdrawal symptoms due to exposure to drugs in utero, not just feeding issues.

Choice D rationale

While extremity issues can be present in various neonatal conditions, they do not align with the systemic symptoms shown in the vital signs. NAS impacts multiple body systems and would present more generalized symptoms.

Choice E rationale

Hypoglycemia can present with some of these vital signs, such as a rapid heart rate, but it does not explain all the symptoms like increased respiratory rate and temperature dysregulation. It is a condition that requires monitoring but is not the primary diagnosis suggested here.

Choice F rationale

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome is consistent with the vital signs: elevated heart rate, increased respiratory rate, and lower temperature. NAS results from withdrawal from substances the newborn was exposed to in utero and affects multiple body systems, explaining the range of symptoms.