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

Choice A reason:

Drying the newborn's skin thoroughly is the nurse's priority after assuring a patent airway because it reduces evaporative heat loss by the newborn and prevents cold stress. Cold stress can lead to hypoxia, hypoglycemia, acidosis, and increased bilirubin levels. Drying the newborn also stimulates breathing and crying, which are signs of a healthy newborn.

Choice B reason:

Administering phytonadione IM is not the nurse's priority because it is not an immediate life-saving intervention. Phytonadione is given to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, which is caused by vitamin K deficiency. However, this condition usually occurs after the first day of life, so administering phytonadione can be delayed until after the initial assessment and stabilization of the newborn.

Choice C reason:

Documenting the Apgar score is not the nurse's priority because it is not an action that directly affects the newborn's well-being. The Apgar score is a tool to assess the newborn's condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. The Apgar score can help guide the nurse's interventions, but it is not more important than providing care to the newborn.

Choice D reason:

Applying identification bands is not the nurse's priority because it is not an urgent or essential action. Identification bands are used to ensure the safety and security of the newborn and prevent errors or mix-ups. However, applying identification bands can be done after the newborn is dried, warmed, and assessed for any problems.

Choice A:

Temperature is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless it is abnormally high or low. The normal temperature range for a newborn is 36.5°C to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F).

Choice B:

Respiratory findings are not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider unless they indicate respiratory distress or infection. The normal respiratory rate for a newborn is 30 to 60 breaths per minute.

Choice C:

Serum glucose is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is higher than the normal range for a newborn. The normal serum glucose level for a newborn is usually just under 2 mmol/L (or 25 mg/dL) at birth, and it will rise to over 3 mmol/L (or 60 to 100 mg/dL) within two to three days. A serum glucose level of 130 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which can have various causes and complications.

Choice D:

Hematocrit is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is lower than the normal range for a newborn. The normal hematocrit level for a newborn is 44% to 64%. A hematocrit level of 35% indicates anemia, which can have various causes and complications.

Choice E:

White blood cell count is not a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is within the normal range for a newborn. The normal white blood cell count for a newborn is 9,000 to 30,000/mm³.

Choice F:

Hemoglobin is a finding that needs to be reported to the provider, as it is lower than the normal range for a newborn. The normal hemoglobin level for a newborn is 14 to 24 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 9 g/dL indicates anemia, which can have various causes and complications.