A nurse is caring for an adolescent with spina bifida who is paralyzed from the waist down. Which of the following client statements should alert the nurse to the need for further education?

Choice A rationale
Decreased muscle tone is not typically associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS is a condition that affects newborns who have been exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb.
Choice B rationale
Sleeping for 2 hours after feeding is not a specific symptom of NAS. While changes in sleep patterns can occur in NAS, they are not definitive indicators of the condition.
Choice C rationale
A continuous high-pitched cry is a common symptom of NAS123. This is because the baby is going through withdrawal from the drugs they were exposed to in the womb.
Choice D rationale
Mild tremors when disturbed are indeed a symptom of NAS123. However, this symptom alone is not enough to diagnose NAS as it can be seen in other conditions as well.

Choice A rationale
Offering the parent the opportunity to hold their stillborn baby can be a crucial part of the grieving process. It allows the parent to acknowledge the reality of the loss and begin to say goodbye.
Choice B rationale
Telling a grieving parent that “this is for the best” can be perceived as dismissive and insensitive. It’s important to validate the parent’s feelings of loss and grief.
Choice C rationale
Sharing personal experiences of loss can shift the focus away from the grieving parent. It’s more helpful to provide empathetic support and allow the parent to share their feelings.
Choice D rationale
While spiritual support can be helpful for some, it’s not appropriate to assume that every parent will want this. It’s better to ask the parent if they would like to speak with a chaplain or other spiritual advisor.