NEONATAL ABSTINENCE SYNDROME

what is neonatal abstinence syndrome?

withdrawl is caused by in utero exposure to maternal use of substances (primarily opioids)

what are clinical features of neonatal abstinence syndrome?

• presents hours to days after birth

• central nervous system

  • irritable, inconsolability, high pitch cry

  • hypertonia, tremors

  • diarphoretic

  • short sleep cycles

  • sneezing, yawning

  • uncoordinated swallowing

• respiratory

  • tachypnea

• GI

  • vomit and diarrhea

  • feeding difficulties

what are nursing interventions for neonatal abstinence syndrome?

• obtain newborn drug screen (urine and meconium)

• monitor daily weights

• feed in small freq amounts

• minimize environmental stimuli

• swaddle tightly in flexed position

• provide pacifier

• admin tapering dose of morphine or methadone

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