When observing a drug-exposed newborn, what symptom suggests that the newborn may be exhibiting withdrawal symptoms?

Choice A:

Tremors. This is a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can cause shakiness or jitteriness in the muscles. •

Choice B:

Lethargy. This is a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can cause low energy, poor feeding, or lack of interest in eating.

Choice C:

Hunger. This is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can actually reduce the appetite or cause feeding difficulties.

Choice D:

Jaundice. This is not a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because jaundice is caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, not low levels of glucose.

Choice E:

Weak cry. This is a sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn because low blood sugar can affect the vocal cords and the respiratory system, causing a weak or high-pitched cry.

Choice A reason:

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects movement, posture, and muscle tone. It can be caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or after birth. Premature babies are at a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy because they are more likely to have bleeding in the brain, lack of oxygen to the brain, infections or other complications that can damage the brain.

Choice B reason:

Color blindness is a condition that affects the ability to see colors or differences in colors. It is usually inherited and not related to prematurity. However, some premature babies may develop retinopathy of prematurity, which can affect their vision in other ways.

Choice C reason:

Learning disabilities are problems that affect the ability to learn, read, write, speak or do math. They can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors or brain injuries.

Premature babies are more likely to have learning disabilities because they are more likely to have brain damage, low birth weight, infections or other complications that can affect their brain development.

Choice D reason:

Retinopathy is a disease that affects the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the retina grow abnormally in premature babies. This can cause bleeding, scarring or detachment of the retina, which can lead to vision loss or blindness.

Choice E reason:

Apnea is a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep. Apnea of prematurity is a condition that affects premature babies who have not fully developed their nervous system and respiratory system. This can cause them to stop breathing for more than 20 seconds at a time, which can lower their oxygen levels and heart rate.