Question

A nurse is caring for a neonate whose mother was abusing drugs. The nurse anticipates that the neonate may experience drug withdrawal. Which intervention would be the priority?

1) Dress the neonate in loose clothing so he won't feel restricted.
2) Place the Isolette in a quiet area of the nursery.
3) Withhold all medication to help the liver metabolize drugs.
4) Place the Isolette near the nurses' station for frequent contact with health care workers.

Answer 1

The priority intervention for a neonate at risk of drug withdrawal is to place the Isolette in a quiet area to create a calm environment, which helps mitigate withdrawal distress.Hence, the correct answer is option 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a neonate whose mother was abusing drugs, and anticipating the possibility of drug withdrawal, the priority intervention would be to place the Isolette in a quiet area of the nursery (Option 2). This is because a neonate undergoing withdrawal may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli and may benefit from a subdued environment to promote homeostasis and well-being. Moreover, while loose clothing, medication management, and proximity to healthcare workers are important considerations, establishing a calm environment is critical for helping to mitigate the distress associated with withdrawal symptoms.