d. Signs of Withdrawal.
(a)
Coarse, flapping tremors.
(b)
Prolonged, persistent, high-pitched cry.
(c)
Vigorous, ineffective sucking, poor feeding.
(d)
Excessive tearing and sweating.
(e)
Sneezing, nasal stuffiness.
(f)
Convulsions - with methadone withdrawal.
(g)
Hyperpyrexia (an excessively high body temperature).
e. Size. High incidence of infants born to addicted mothers are premature
and/or small for gestational age.
f. Treatment.
(1)
Narcotic antagonist is used to counteract narcotic-induced respiratory
depression.
(2)
Drug therapy is used for alleviation of signs of narcotic withdrawal.
(3)
Supportive therapy is given as appropriate.
g. Nursing Care Considerations.
(1) Be familiar with withdrawal symptoms to facilitate early diagnosis in
order to decrease morbidity/mortality of high-risk infants.
(2)
Record accurately and in detail all signs and observations of
withdrawal.
(a)
Time of onset.
(b) Duration and frequency.
(c)
Severity.
(d)
Treatment initiated and response.
(e) Vital signs.
MD0922
11-17
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