A neonate born to a mother who was abusing heroin is exhibiting signs and symptoms of withdrawal. Which signs would the nurse assess? (Select All that Apply.)
hypertonicity
excessive sneezing
low whimpering cry
overly vigorous sucking
lethargy
tremors
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E,F
A. Hypertonicity: Neonates experiencing withdrawal from heroin may exhibit increased muscle tone, leading to stiffness or rigidity. This is often observed as hypertonicity in their limbs or overall body.
B. Excessive sneezing: Nasal congestion and sneezing are common symptoms in neonates undergoing withdrawal. These symptoms can occur due to the irritant effects of withdrawal on the respiratory system.
C. Low whimpering cry: Infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) may have a weak or high-pitched cry, which may sound like whimpering. This cry can be indicative of the discomfort and distress they are experiencing.
D. Overly vigorous sucking: Neonates with NAS may display exaggerated sucking behaviors, often characterized by frantic or overly vigorous sucking during feeding or when provided with a pacifier. This behavior is a manifestation of their heightened agitation and irritability.
E. Lethargy: Some neonates experiencing NAS may appear excessively drowsy, fatigued, or have decreased responsiveness. Lethargy is a common symptom associated with withdrawal from heroin or other opioids.
F. Tremors: Tremors or shaking movements, especially when the neonate is disturbed or agitated, are hallmark signs of NAS. These tremors can be mild to severe and may affect various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, or jaw.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. 24 hours before birth and 24 hours after birth:
This option suggests administering Rho(D) immune globulin (RhIg) both before and after birth. However, the standard recommendation is to administer RhIg at 28 weeks' gestation and again within 72 hours after birth. Administering RhIg before birth in this manner is not a standard practice for preventing Rh isoimmunization.
B. At 28 weeks' gestation and again within 72 hours after birth:
This is the correct choice. Administering RhIg at 28 weeks' gestation helps prevent sensitization of the Rh-negative mother to Rh-positive fetal blood cells that may have entered her circulation during pregnancy. Administering it again within 72 hours after birth helps prevent sensitization from any Rh-positive fetal blood cells that may have entered the mother's circulation during delivery.
C. At 32 weeks' gestation and immediately before discharge:
Administering RhIg at 32 weeks' gestation is not the standard recommendation. The standard timing is at 28 weeks' gestation to cover the critical period of sensitization during pregnancy. Administering it immediately before discharge may not provide adequate protection if sensitization has already occurred during pregnancy.
D. In the first trimester and within 2 hours of birth:
Administering RhIg in the first trimester is not a routine practice unless there is a specific indication, such as miscarriage or invasive procedures that may lead to fetal-maternal hemorrhage. Administering it within 2 hours of birth alone does not provide adequate protection against sensitization during pregnancy. The standard recommendation is to administer RhIg at 28 weeks' gestation and again within 72 hours after birth to cover the critical periods of sensitization during pregnancy and delivery.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Attach a sign above her bed to have BP, IV lines, and lab work in her right arm.
- This option is not appropriate because after a right-sided modified-radical mastectomy, it's generally contraindicated to use the affected arm (right arm in this case) for blood pressure measurements, IV lines, or blood draws. This is because such procedures can impede lymphatic drainage and increase the risk of lymphedema. Therefore, the unaffected arm is typically preferred for these purposes to reduce the risk of complications.
B. Encourage her to turn, cough, and deep breathe at frequent intervals.
- While turning, coughing, and deep breathing are essential postoperative nursing interventions to prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia, they are not specific to the unique needs of a woman who has undergone a mastectomy. These interventions are more focused on general postoperative care rather than addressing the specific concerns related to mastectomy, such as lymphedema management.
C. Position her right arm below heart level.
- This is the correct choice. Positioning the right arm below heart level helps reduce swelling and promotes lymphatic drainage, particularly after surgery involving the lymph nodes, as in a mastectomy. This positioning aids in preventing complications such as lymphedema and supports optimal circulation and fluid balance in the affected arm.
D. Ask the client how she feels about having her breast removed.
- While emotional support and addressing the client's feelings are important aspects of care for a woman who has undergone a mastectomy, this intervention is more appropriate during psychosocial assessment and counseling sessions, rather than immediately postoperatively. At this stage, the focus should be primarily on physical recovery and addressing immediate postoperative needs, such as pain management and prevention of complications like lymphedema. Emotional support can certainly be provided, but it should not be the primary intervention immediately following surgery.
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