A nurse is caring for a newborn whose mother was taking methadone during her pregnancy.

Which of the following findings indicates the newborn is experiencing withdrawal?

A, B, C, D, and H. Here is why:.

• A. Heart rate: The client’s heart rate is elevated at 118/min, which could indicate blood loss, dehydration, pain, anxiety, or infection. This finding requires immediate follow-up to assess the cause and intervene as needed.
• B. Current medications: The client is taking ibuprofen 800 mg three times daily PRN for arthritis pain. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause gastric irritation, ulceration, and bleeding. This finding requires immediate follow-up to evaluate the client’s pain level, medication use, and possible alternatives to NSAIDs.
• C. Blood pressure: The client’s blood pressure is low at 90/50 mm Hg, which could indicate hypovolemia, shock, or cardiac dysfunction. This finding requires immediate follow-up to monitor the client’s fluid status, perfusion, and organ function.
• D. Stool results: The client’s stool tested positive for occult blood and H. pylori bacteria. Occult blood indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which could be related to the client’s abdominal pain and weight loss. H. pylori is a common cause of peptic ulcer disease, which can also cause bleeding and pain. This finding requires immediate follow-up to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment with antibiotics and acid-suppressing drugs.

• H. Hemoglobin and hematocrit: The client’s hemoglobin and hematocrit are low at 9.1 g/dL and 27%, respectively. These values indicate anemia, which could be caused by chronic blood loss, nutritional deficiency, or bone marrow suppression. This finding requires immediate follow-up to determine the etiology and severity of the anemia and provide appropriate therapy such as blood transfusion, iron supplementation, or erythropoietin.

The other findings are not as urgent as the ones above:.

• E. Respiratory rate: The client’s respiratory rate is normal at 18/min. There is no evidence of respiratory distress or hypoxia.
• F. WBC count: The client’s WBC count is normal at 6,700/mm3. There is no indication of infection or inflammation.
• G. Temperature: The client’s temperature is slightly elevated at 37.5° C (99.5° F), but not enough to warrant immediate concern. It could be due to stress, dehydration, or a mild infection. The nurse should monitor the temperature trend and report any significant changes or signs of sepsis.

The correct answer is choiceb. Instruct the client to notify the provider if diarrhea develops.

Choice A rationale:

Infusing penicillin G over 10 minutes is not recommended as it may cause adverse reactions.The infusion rate should be based on the specific guidelines for the medication and patient condition.

Choice B rationale:

Diarrhea can be a sign of a serious side effect called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, which can occur with antibiotic use.It is important for the client to notify the provider if this symptom develops.

Choice C rationale:

Penicillin G should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically do not include refrigeration after reconstitution.Incorrect storage can affect the medication’s efficacy.

Choice D rationale:

Checking for a sulfa allergy is not relevant for penicillin G administration.Sulfa allergies are related to sulfonamide antibiotics, not penicillins.