A preterm infant is jittery and has an oxygen saturation of 88%.After stabilizing the newborn,what action by the nurse is most important?
A) Assess the mother for caffeine use during pregnancy.
B) Assess the mother for opioid use during pregnancy.
C) Call Child Protective Services (CPS) to take the child away.
D) Question the father about maternal drug abuse.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maternal opioid use can lead to neonatal withdrawal syndrome,characterized by hyperirritability,gastrointestinal dysfunction,respiratory distress,and autonomic disturbances.After stabilizing the baby,the nurse should first assess the mother for opioid abuse during pregnancy.Caffeine use would not cause these effects.Calling CPS is premature at this point.Questioning the father is not the best way to determine if the mother has abused drugs.

A Preterm Infant Is Jittery and Has an Oxygen Saturation