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. Provide frequent stimulation for the newborn. Excessive stimulation can worsen symptoms in newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), including irritability, tremors, and difficulty sleeping. These infants need a calm, low-stimulation environment to reduce neurologic stress. B. Encourage frequent eye contact with the newborn during feedings. While bonding is important, prolonged or forced eye contact can overstimulate a newborn with NAS. These infants often have difficulty regulating sensory input and may become more irritable with excessive interaction. C. Decrease the lighting levels in the nursery. A dim, quiet environment helps soothe infants experiencing NAS. Reducing lighting can minimize sensory overload, promote rest, and support neurologic regulation during withdrawal. D. Wrap the newborn loosely in a blanket. Loose wrapping does not provide the security and containment that helps calm an overstimulated infant. Instead, swaddling the newborn snugly can reduce tremors, promote sleep, and offer comfort during withdrawal symptoms.