A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 72 hours old.
The newborn has a Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System (NAS) score of 20. The nurse is planning to contact the provider regarding the newborn’s status.Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?
Swaddle the newborn.
Administer naloxone for NAS Scores greater than 24.
Continue NAS Scoring as prescribed.
Administer oral morphine.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Swaddling a newborn can provide comfort and help soothe them. However, it is not a specific treatment for a Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System (NAS) score of 201.
Choice B rationale
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose. It is not typically administered for NAS unless the newborn is experiencing life-threatening respiratory depression due to opioid exposure. Moreover, it is not specifically indicated for NAS scores greater than 241.
Choice C rationale
Continuing NAS scoring as prescribed is important for monitoring the newborn’s condition. However, a score of 20 indicates significant withdrawal symptoms, which may require more than just monitoring.
Choice D rationale
Administering oral morphine is a common treatment for NAS. Morphine, an opioid medication, is used to manage withdrawal symptoms in newborns with NAS. The goal is to control symptoms and then gradually wean the newborn off the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a pattern of contractions can be a sign of labor, it is not the definitive sign of true labor. Contractions may also occur in false labor, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions do not lead to changes in the cervix.
Choice B rationale
Changes in the cervix, including effacement (thinning) and dilation (opening), are the definitive signs of true labor. During true labor, contractions lead to progressive changes in the cervix, which allow for the baby to be born.
Choice C rationale
Rupture of the membranes, or “water breaking,” can occur in both true labor and false labor. Therefore, it is not the definitive sign of true labor.
Choice D rationale
The station of the presenting part refers to the position of the baby’s head (or other presenting part) in relation to the mother’s pelvis. While the station can change during labor as the baby descends into the pelvis, it is not the definitive sign of true labor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Drying the infant off and covering the head is important to prevent heat loss, but it is not the first action to be taken. The newborn’s body temperature can drop rapidly because of the evaporation of amniotic fluid, so drying the infant is a priority, but not the first one.
Choice B rationale
Stimulating the infant to cry is important as it helps to clear the lungs of amniotic fluid and promotes the expansion of the lungs for effective oxygenation. However, this is not the first action to be taken. The first action is to clear the respiratory tract.
Choice C rationale
Clearing the respiratory tract is the first action to be taken to ensure the newborn can breathe properly. This is done by suctioning the mouth first and then the nose to prevent aspiration of mucus or amniotic fluid, which can lead to respiratory distress.
Choice D rationale
Cutting the umbilical cord is done after the newborn’s respiratory status is stable. It is not the first action to be taken. The umbilical cord is usually clamped and cut by the healthcare provider after it has stopped pulsating, or after the newborn has started to breathe on their own.
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