(4)
Radiant infant warmer or isolette.
(5)
Sodium bicarbonate IV as necessary.
(6)
Tube feedings or hyperalimentation.
e. Nursing Intervention.
(1)
Monitor Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs).
(2) Monitor for infection, thrombosis, or decreased circulation to legs if the
infant has an umbilical catheter.
(3)
Take daily weights.
(4)
Assess skin color.
(5)
Monitor respiratory rate, depth, and character as well as other signs of
distress.
(6)
Provide parental teaching and emotional support; encourage bonding.
11-10. INFANT OF ADDICTED MOTHER
This refers to an infant who is born to a mother who is narcotic or
methadone-dependent and who takes the drug or drugs in varying dosages for varying
periods during her pregnancy.
a. Etiology. Drugs that the mother has taken during pregnancy crosses the
placental barrier and enter the fetal circulation. Supply to the infant is abruptly
terminated at delivery. Other agents (for example, phenobarbital and Darvon ) are
capable of causing withdrawal symptoms).
b. Degree of Withdrawl Symptoms. The degree of withdrawal symptoms the
infant manifests may be related to the duration of the mother's habit, the type and
dosage requirements of her addiction, and her drug level immediately prior to delivery.
c. Onset of Symptoms. Heroin and methadone are the narcotic drugs most
commonly involved in neonatal drug addition.
(1)
Heroin addition is seen several hours after birth to three to four days of
life.
(2)
Methadone addition is seen seven to ten days after birth to several
weeks of life.
MD0922
11-16