A nurse is caring for a newborn who is experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Wrap the newborn loosely in a blanket: Infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) benefit from being swaddled snugly, not loosely. Tight swaddling helps reduce hyperactivity, self-stimulating movements, and agitation associated with withdrawal. B. Encourage frequent eye contact with the newborn during feedings: Excessive eye contact can overstimulate an infant with NAS, increasing irritability and stress. Minimizing visual stimulation during feedings helps promote calm and successful feeding. C. Provide frequent stimulation for the newborn: Newborns with NAS are highly sensitive to environmental stimuli. Providing frequent stimulation can exacerbate symptoms such as tremors, irritability, and high-pitched crying. D. Decrease the lighting levels in the nursery: Reducing environmental stimuli, including dimming lights and minimizing noise, helps calm infants experiencing NAS. A low-stimulation environment is a key nonpharmacologic intervention to reduce withdrawal symptoms and support neurodevelopment.