A nurse is assisting with the care of a 1-month-old infant who has neonatal abstinence syndrome and is receiving phenobarbital. Which of the following findings indicates to the nurse that the medication has had a therapeutic effect?

Choice A reason: Improved feedings can be a positive sign, but it may not directly indicate the therapeutic effect of phenobarbital. Choice B reason: Restored surfactant is not directly related to the action of phenobarbital, which is used to manage symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Choice C reason: Phenobarbital is a medication that can help alleviate CNS irritability in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Therefore, a decrease in CNS irritability indicates a therapeutic effect of the medication. Choice D reason: Decreased excoriation is not a primary effect of phenobarbital. This medication primarily addresses CNS symptoms associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome.