A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 48 hr old and has a maternal history of methadone use during pregnancy. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as an indication of neonatal abstinence syndrome?

Choice A rationale:

Hypertonia (increased muscle tone) is not a manifestation of hypoglycemia in a newborn. Instead, hypotonia (decreased muscle tone) is more characteristic.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. Jitteriness is a common sign of hypoglycemia in a newborn. It may be accompanied by other symptoms like poor feeding, tremors, and irritability.

Choice C rationale:

Acrocyanosis (bluish discoloration of the hands and feet) is a normal finding in newborns and is not specifically associated with hypoglycemia.

Choice D rationale:

Generalized petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin) are not indicative of hypoglycemia but may be associated with other medical conditions.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the newborn under a radiant heat warmer is used to prevent cold stress. Newborns are at risk of losing body heat rapidly, and cold stress can lead to various complications, including respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and metabolic acidosis. The radiant heat warmer helps maintain the baby's body temperature within the normal range, promoting overall stability and reducing the risk of cold-related issues.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should not choose choice B, "Respiratory depression,” as the action used to prevent. Placing the newborn under a radiant heat warmer does not specifically target respiratory depression. Respiratory depression in newborns may be related to various factors, such as anesthesia exposure during delivery or certain medications, and it requires appropriate monitoring and management rather than just heat regulation.

Choice C rationale:

The nurse should not choose choice C, "Thermogenesis,” as the action used to prevent. Thermogenesis refers to the generation of heat in the body, which is essential for maintaining body temperature. While the radiant heat warmer indirectly supports thermogenesis by preventing heat loss, the main purpose of using the warmer is to prevent cold stress, as stated in choice A.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should not choose choice D, "Tachycardia,” as the action used to prevent. Tachycardia refers to an abnormally fast heart rate, and the use of a radiant heat warmer does not specifically target this condition. The purpose of the warmer, as explained earlier, is to maintain the baby's body temperature and prevent cold stress, not to address tachycardia.