Providing care for a neonate born to a mother who uses substances can present a challenge for the health care team.Nursing care for this infant requires a multisystem approach.What is the first step to take when providing care for this infant?
A) Pharmacological treatment
B) Reduction of environmental stimuli
C) Neonatal abstinence syndrome scoring
D) Adequate nutrition and maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)is the term used to describe the cohort of symptoms associated with drug withdrawal in neonates.The Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System evaluates central nervous system (CNS),metabolic,vasomotor,respiratory,and gastrointestinal disturbances.This evaluation tool enables the health care team to develop an appropriate plan of care and is recommended within 2 hours of admission to the nursery and then every 4 hours.The infant is scored throughout the length of his or her stay,and the treatment plan is adjusted accordingly.Pharmacological treatment is based on the severity of withdrawal symptoms but is not the first step in care.Symptoms are determined with a standard assessment tool.The medications of choice are morphine,phenobarbital,diazepam,or a diluted tincture of opium.Swaddling,holding,and reducing environmental stimuli are essential when providing care to an infant who is experiencing withdrawal but are not the first step in care.These nursing interventions are appropriate for an infant who displays CNS disturbances.Poor feeding is one of the gastrointestinal symptoms common to this population.Fluid and electrolyte balance must be maintained,and adequate nutrition provided.These infants often have a poor suck reflex and may need to be fed via gavage.

Providing Care for a Neonate Born to a Mother Who