A nurse is providing care for a newborn suspected of having neonatal abstinence syndrome. Which symptom would support this diagnosis?

Choice A rationale
Deep tendon reflexes of +1 are not consistent with preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of kidney damage. One of the symptoms can be hyperreflexia, or overly active reflexes, not diminished reflexes.
Choice B rationale
Blood pressure of 148/98 mm Hg is consistent with preeclampsia, as one of the defining features of preeclampsia is high blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
1+ pitting sacral edema is consistent with preeclampsia. Edema, or swelling, is a common symptom of preeclampsia.
Choice D rationale
3+ protein in the urine is consistent with preeclampsia. One of the defining features of preeclampsia is the presence of excess protein in urine (proteinuria), which indicates kidney problems. Deep vein thrombosis Deep vein thrombosis Explore

Choice A rationale
While an area of warmth can be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it is not the most specific or indicative symptom. DVT is a condition in which blood clots form in veins located deep inside the body, usually in the thigh or lower legs. The most common symptoms include swelling of the foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side, cramping of the affected leg, severe leg pain, and skin on the affected area that is warmer than the skin on surrounding areas.
However, these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions, making them less specific for DVT.
Choice B rationale
Nausea is not typically a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The most common symptoms of DVT include swelling of the foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side, cramping of the affected leg, severe leg pain, and skin on the affected area that is warmer than the skin on surrounding areas.
Choice C rationale
A cool-to-touch extremity is not typically a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In fact, the skin over the affected area is often warmer than the skin on surrounding areas. Therefore, a cool-to-touch extremity would not typically be expected in a client with suspected DVT.
Choice D rationale
Calf tenderness when massaged is a common clinical finding in clients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)2. DVT often causes pain and swelling in the affected leg, and this pain can be particularly noticeable or worsen when the calf is massaged or the client is standing or walking. Therefore, calf tenderness when massaged would be a clinical finding that a nurse should anticipate in a client being admitted with a suspected DVT.