A nurse is assessing a full-term newborn upon admission to the nursery. What clinical findings should the nurse report?

Choice A rationale: Swaddling the newborn with flexed extremities can provide a sense of security and help soothe the newborn. This is a common practice in managing neonates with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) as it can help reduce irritability and promote sleep.

Choice B rationale: Naloxone is not typically used in the treatment of NAS. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and can precipitate withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals. In a neonate with NAS due to maternal opioid use, naloxone can cause severe and immediate withdrawal.

Choice C rationale: Maintaining a low stimulation environment is crucial in managing neonates with NAS. These neonates are often hypersensitive to stimuli, and a quiet, dimly lit environment can help reduce irritability and promote sleep.

Choice D rationale: Breastfeeding is usually encouraged in mothers who are stable on their opioid replacement therapy, are not using illicit drugs, and have no other contraindications for breastfeeding. The benefits of breastfeeding include the passage of maternal antibodies and the promotion of mother-infant bonding.

Choice E rationale: The Ballard newborn screening is a tool used to estimate gestational age using physical and neuromuscular characteristics. It is typically performed shortly after birth and may not need to be performed each shift in a neonate with NAS.

Choice F rationale: Weighing the newborn daily is important in the management of NAS. Weight can provide information about feeding and hydration status, and any significant or sudden changes in weight can indicate a need for further evaluation.

Choice G rationale: Eye contact during feeding can promote bonding between the parent and the newborn. There is no need to avoid eye contact during feeding in a neonate with NAS.

Choice A rationale
Applying a moist, warm compress to the perineum is not the recommended care for a client with a fourth-degree laceration of the perineum 12 hr postpartum.
Choice B rationale

Administering methylergonovine 0.2 mg IM is not the recommended care for a client with a fourth-degree laceration of the perineum 12 hr postpartum. Methylergonovine is a medication used to prevent or control bleeding of the uterus following childbirth or abortion.
Choice C rationale
Providing the client with a cool sitz bath is the correct action. A sitz bath can help to soothe the perineal area, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Choice D rationale
Applying povidone-iodine to the client’s perineum after she voids is not the recommended care for a client with a fourth-degree laceration of the perineum 12 hr postpartum. Povidone-iodine is an antiseptic used for skin disinfection before and after surgery.