NAS

• drug dependency acquired in utero manifestations by neurologic and physical behaviours
• withdrawal symptoms occur in 60% of all newborns exposed to drugs
• Typical newborn behaviours include:

  • CNS hypersensitivity
  • autonomic dysfunction
  • respiratory distress
  • temperature instability
  • hypoglycemia
  • tremors
  • seizures
  • abnormal cry patterns
  • feeding difficulties and GI disturbances
• Nursing assessment: maternal history, risk behaviours, toxicology

  • new born behaviours; WITHDRAWAL assessment and/or use of Finnegan Neonatal abstinence score
• Nursing management:

  • comfort promotion; stimuli reduction
  • nutrition
  • prevention of complications
  • parent-newborn interaction
  • referrals for support in the community and long-term follow-up
• Opioids, barbiturates, SSRIs, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, benzodiazepines, caffine
• finnegan scoring system