A nurse is caring for an infant who has coarctation of the aorta.

Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected finding?

Choice A reason
Administering naloxone to the newborn is not appropriate. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose in adults. It is not typically used for newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome. The management of NAS is primarily supportive, and medications may be prescribed to help manage specific withdrawal symptoms, but naloxone is not a standard treatment for NAS.

Choice B reason:

Minimizing noise in the newborn's environment is a crucial action in the plan of care is the correct action to be included. Newborns experiencing NAS can be easily overstimulated, and loud noises can exacerbate their withdrawal symptoms and distress. Creating a calm and quiet environment helps reduce agitation and promotes better sleep and overall comfort.

Choice C reason

Swaddling the newborn with his leg extended is not appropriate in this case. Swaddling can be beneficial for some newborns, but the specific positioning and swaddling techniques should be individualized based on the newborn's needs and preferences. Extending the newborn's legs may not necessarily be the best approach, as it may not provide comfort or address the symptoms associated with NAS.

Choice D reason:

Maintaining eye contact with the newborn during feedings is not appropriate in this case. While maintaining eye contact during feedings is an essential aspect of bonding and promoting parent-newborn attachment, it may not be the primary focus in managing neonatal abstinence syndrome. The plan of care for a newborn with NAS would primarily involve managing withdrawal symptoms, providing comfort measures, and addressing the newborn's unique needs during this challenging period.

Enoxaparin is a blood thinner that helps prevent the formation of blood clots in people who have certain medical conditions or who are undergoing certain procedures. Enoxaparin can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken with other medications that affect blood clotting, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin.

Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid taking pain relievers such as naproxen sodium (choice A), ibuprofen (choice B), or aspirin (choice D) while on enoxaparin. These pain relievers can make the client more likely to bleed when on enoxaparin. Acetaminophen (choice C) is a pain reliever that does not affect blood clotting and can be taken safely with enoxaparin. However, the client should follow the directions on the box to make sure they do not take more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen, as it can cause liver damage in high doses.