A nurse is developing a plan of care for a newborn whose mother tested positive for heroin during pregnancy.
The newborn is experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan?
Swaddle the newborn with his legs extended.
Administer naloxone to the newborn
Maintain eye contact with the newborn during feedings
Minimize noise in the newborn’s environment
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D. Minimize noise in the newborn’s environment.
This is because neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a condition that affects newborns who are exposed to opioids or other addictive substances in the womb. These substances can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborns, such as excessive crying, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
Minimizing noise and other stimuli can help calm the newborn and reduce stress.
Choice A is wrong because swaddling the newborn with his legs extended can increase muscle tension and discomfort. Swaddling should be done with the legs flexed and hips abducted to prevent hip dysplasia.
Choice B is wrong because administering naloxone to the newborn can cause severe withdrawal symptoms and respiratory depression. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids, but it is not recommended for newborns with NAS unless they have life-threatening respiratory depression.
Choice C is wrong because maintaining eye contact with the newborn during feedings can overstimulate the newborn and cause agitation. Eye contact should be avoided or limited during feedings for newborns with NAS.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Apply direct pressure to the puncture site.
Choice A rationale:
Applying intermittent pressure 2.5 cm (1 inch) below the percutaneous skin site is not the best approach. This method may not effectively control the bleeding and could potentially dislodge the introducer sheath.
Choice B rationale:
Applying direct pressure to the puncture site is the most effective way to control bleeding. Direct pressure helps to promote clot formation and reduce blood flow to the area, which is crucial in managing postoperative bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
Elevating the affected extremity above the level of the heart is not appropriate in this situation. While elevation can reduce swelling, it does not address the immediate need to control active bleeding.
Choice D rationale:
Leaving the dressing undisturbed and notifying the physician immediately is not advisable. Immediate action to control the bleeding is necessary before notifying the physician. Delaying intervention could lead to significant blood loss.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hypertonicity is a sign of increased muscle tone and stiffness, which can indicate that the newborn is experiencing withdrawal from methadone exposure in utero. Methadone is an opioid medication that can cross the placenta and cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the newborn.
Choice A, acrocyanosis, is wrong because it is a normal finding in newborns.
Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to immature peripheral circulation. It usually resolves within the first 24 to 48 hours of life.
Choice B, bradycardia, is wrong because it is not a typical sign of withdrawal.
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually less than 100 beats per minute in newborns. It can be caused by hypoxia, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, or vagal stimulation.
Choice C, bulging fontanels, is wrong because it is a sign of increased intracranial pressure, not withdrawal. Bulging fontanels can be caused by meningitis, hydrocephalus, or hemorrhage.
Normal ranges for newborn vital signs are as follows:
- Heart rate: 120 to 160 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 30 to 60 breaths per minute
- Temperature: 36.5 to 37.5°C (97.7 to 99.5°F)
- Blood pressure: 60 to 80 mm Hg systolic and 40 to 50 mm Hg diastolic
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