What is true regarding FAS and NAS?

Choice A reason:

Preterm birth is a major risk factor for neonatal sepsis, especially early-onset sepsis. Preterm babies have immature immune systems and lack antibodies to protect them against certain bacteria.

Choice B reason:

Cesarean birth is not a risk factor for neonatal sepsis by itself, unless it is associated with other factors such as prolonged rupture of membranes, maternal infection or chorioamnionitis.

Choice C reason:

Precipitous delivery is a risk factor for neonatal sepsis, especially early-onset sepsis. Precipitous delivery can cause fetal distress, hypoxia, acidosis and increased susceptibility to infection.

Choice D reason:

Frequent vaginal exams are a risk factor for neonatal sepsis, especially early-onset sepsis. Frequent vaginal exams can introduce bacteria into the amniotic fluid and increase the risk of ascending infection.

Choice E reason:

Mother has GBS infection is a risk factor for neonatal sepsis, especially early-onset sepsis. GBS (group B streptococcus) is the most common cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis and can be transmitted from the mother to the baby during labor and delivery.

Choice A:

Blood pressure is not a priority finding for a newborn with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Blood pressure may be slightly elevated or normal in NAS, but it is not a sign of severe withdrawal or a risk for complications. •

Choice B:

Gastrointestinal disturbances are common and serious symptoms of NAS. They include poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and poor weight gain. These can lead to electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition and failure to thrive. This choice requires immediate follow-up. •

Choice C:

Skin color is not a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Skin color may be normal or slightly pale in NAS, but it is not a sign of severe withdrawal or risk for complications. •

Choice D:

NAS score is a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. NAS score is a tool used to assess the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the need for pharmacological treatment. A high NAS score indicates that the newborn needs medication to manage the withdrawal and prevent complications such as seizures. This choice requires immediate follow-up. •

Choice E:

Autonomic nervous system instability is a hallmark of NAS.Hyperthermia (elevated temperature) can lead to metabolic distress.

Choice F:

Oxygen saturation is a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. Oxygen saturation measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. Low oxygen saturation can indicate respiratory distress, which is a common and serious symptom of NAS. Respiratory distress can lead to hypoxia, acidosis, and brain damage. This choice requires immediate follow-up. •

Choice G:

Central nervous system disturbances are common and serious symptoms of NAS. They include tremors, irritability, excessive crying, hyperactivity, increased muscle tone, seizures, and sleep problems. These can indicate severe withdrawal and risk for neurological damage. This choice requires immediate follow-up.

Choice H:

Respiratory rate is a priority finding for a newborn with NAS. The respiratory rate measures the number of breaths per minute. A high respiratory rate can indicate respiratory distress, which is a common and serious symptom of NAS. Respiratory distress can lead to hypoxia, acidosis, and brain damage. This choice requires immediate follow-up.