Final answer:
An LPN would expect to observe signs of withdrawal such as tremors and irritability in a newborn born to a mother addicted to heroin. Withdrawal symptoms are part of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and methadone may be prescribed to manage heroin addiction in adults.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an LPN observes a newborn born to a mother who is addicted to heroin, they would expect to observe signs of withdrawal such as tremors and irritability (option c). Newborns exposed to heroin in utero can develop a condition known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), where the baby exhibits withdrawal symptoms because they were exposed to drugs in the womb.
Possible withdrawal symptoms associated with physical dependence on a psychoactive drug like heroin include tremors, irritability, poor feeding, disrupted sleep patterns, high-pitched crying, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea. Newborns with NAS may require specialized care and medication to manage these symptoms.
As for treating heroin addiction, a person might be prescribed the psychoactive drug methadone because it can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings without leading to the high associated with heroin use. Methadone is a long-acting opioid that can help individuals with heroin addiction reduce their use of the drug in a controlled manner under medical supervision.