A male newborn is evaluated 24 hours after delivery for poor feeding, high-pitched crying, and diarrhea. He was born at 40 weeks' gestation at 2514 g (5.54 lb) to a 28-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, by an uncomplicated cesarean section. Apgar scores were 8 and 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. The mother did not receive prenatal care. The infant's temperature is 38.0°C (100.4°F), pulse is 170/min, and blood pressure is 71/39 mm Hg. On physical examination, the patient is irritable and has mildly increased tone in all extremities with occasional tremors of the arms and legs. Which of the following pharmacotherapies would most likely improve this patient's symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Neonatal abstinence syndrome due to maternal opioid use causes neurologic, gastrointestinal, and autonomic symptoms; irritability, tremors, diarrhea, and sneezing are classic findings.  Patients with symptoms refractory to nonpharmacologic therapy warrant opioid replacement (eg, morphine).

A Male Newborn Is Evaluated 24 Hours After Delivery for Poor