A nurse is caring for a newborn who is 5 days old.

The mother used opioids prior to pregnancy and was prescribed methadone during pregnancy. Both the mother and the newborn tested positive for methadone in their urine drug screens.

The newborn is exhibiting clinical findings of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen helps improve oxygenation to the fetus and is the priority intervention for late decelerations. Oxytocin is commonly used for induction and augmentation of labor. Its influence is indirect via increased uterine activity, mostly due to increased frequency of contractions or baseline pressure (hypertonus). Increase in duration or amplitude of contractions can also lead to FHR changes. The FHR changes associated with oxytocin infusion may be caused by compression of the cord with contractions or by the reduction in placental perfusion due to increased intrauterine basal pressure and frequent contractions cutting off the blood supply to the placenta. Therefore, administering oxygen can help improve the oxygen supply to the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the client to bear down and push with contractions is not the appropriate action when the fetus is experiencing persistent late decelerations. This action is more associated with the active phase of labor and not with managing fetal distress.
Choice C rationale
Amnioinfusion is a procedure where a saline solution is instilled into the uterus during labor if there is low amniotic fluid, or thick meconium is present. It is not typically used in response to late decelerations in the FHR.
Choice D rationale
Placing the client in a supine position is not the correct action. The supine position can exacerbate a condition known as supine hypotensive syndrome, where the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, reducing venous return to the heart and cardiac output. This can potentially worsen fetal distress.

Choice A rationale
Jitteriness is a common sign of hypoglycemia in newborns. Newborns whose mothers had gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing hypoglycemia shortly after birth. Other signs of neonatal hypoglycemia can include poor feeding, lethargy, and seizures.
Choice B rationale
Increased muscle tone is not typically associated with hypoglycemia in newborns. However, decreased muscle tone can be a sign of severe hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Abdominal distention is not typically associated with hypoglycemia in newborns. However, it can be a sign of other conditions, such as gastrointestinal obstruction or sepsis.
Choice D rationale
Petechiae, or small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding into the skin, are not typically associated with hypoglycemia in newborns. However, they can be a sign of other conditions, such as infection or a bleeding disorder.