A nurse is planning care immediately following birth for a newborn who has a myelomeningocele that is leaking cerebrospinal fluid.

Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A rationale
The newborn’s symptoms of jitteriness, weak cry, mottled extremities with acrocyanosis, and rapid, unlabored respirations are indicative of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia in the newborn period can be caused by several factors, including maternal diabetes (gestational or pre- existing), preterm birth, and sepsis. The nurse should take actions to address this condition, such as ensuring the newborn is warm, initiating early feeding to provide the newborn with glucose, and monitoring blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. NAS can cause a wide range of symptoms such as excessive crying, poor feeding, and seizures. However, the symptoms described in the question are more indicative of hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Cold stress can occur in newborns who are unable to maintain their body temperature within a normal range. While some of the symptoms described, such as mottled skin and acrocyanosis, can occur with cold stress, the presence of jitteriness and a weak cry are more indicative of hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a common problem in premature babies and is caused by a lack of surfactant in the lungs. While rapid, unlabored respirations can be a sign of RDS, the other symptoms described in the question, such as jitteriness and a weak cry, are not typically associated with RDS2.

Choice A rationale
Maintaining a low-stimulation environment is recommended for newborns exhibiting clinical findings of NAS56. This can help to reduce symptoms such as irritability and restlessness.
Choice B rationale
Weighing the newborn daily is important in the care of a newborn with NAS56. This can help to monitor the newborn’s growth and development, and any significant changes in weight could indicate a need for further medical intervention.
Choice C rationale
Advising the parent to avoid breastfeeding is not typically recommended for mothers who used opioids prior to pregnancy and were prescribed methadone during pregnancy. In fact, breastfeeding is often encouraged for these mothers, as it can help to reduce the severity of NAS symptoms in the newborn.
Choice D rationale
Avoiding eye contact with the newborn during feeding is not typically recommended as part of the care for a newborn with NAS56. Eye contact can help to promote bonding between the parent and the newborn.
Choice E rationale
The administration of naloxone is not typically recommended for a newborn with NAS56. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioids, but it is not typically used in the treatment of NAS56.
Choice F rationale
Swaddling the newborn with flexed extremities can help to comfort a newborn with NAS56. This can help to reduce symptoms such as irritability and restlessness.
Choice G rationale
This option is not typically necessary for the management of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The Ballard score is used to assess gestational age and physical maturity of a newborn, but it is not a routine part of monitoring for NAS.