Janis, a 30-year-old woman, has been in and out of drug rehabilitation programs several times over the last few years. Recently, she gave birth to a baby girl. The doctor noticed that the infant showed symptoms of tremors, irritability, abnormal crying, disturbed sleep, and impaired motor control. The doctor diagnosed these withdrawal symptoms as the effects of a drug to which Janis was addicted. Identify the drug.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms mentioned are classic signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which occurs when a baby is exposed to opioids, such as heroin, that the mother has taken during pregnancy. Methamphetamine and marijuana use during pregnancy may result in some complications, but they are not typically associated with NAS. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy can cause low birth weight, but it does not typically cause NAS symptoms.

Janis, a 30-Year-Old Woman, Has Been in and Out of Drug