Question

An infant experiencing drug withdrawal has muscle rigidity with increased muscle tone and poor sleep patterns. Such infants are often difficult to console. What is the most likely cause of these symptoms?

1) Hypothyroidism
2) Hyperthyroidism
3) Hypoglycemia
4) Hyperglycemia

Answer 1

An infant showing muscle rigidity, poor sleep patterns, and difficulty being consoled is most likely experiencing symptoms of drug withdrawal after birth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Infants experiencing drug withdrawal often show symptoms such as muscle rigidity with increased muscle tone, agitation, anxiety, poor sleep patterns, and difficulty in being consoled.

These symptoms align with the outcomes of newborns withdrawing from substances that the mother may have used during pregnancy, rather than conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperglycemia.

Therefore, the most likely cause of an infant presenting with these signs is the discontinuation of drug exposure experienced post-birth, considering that withdrawal symptoms usually manifest as the opposite effects of the involved drug.