Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

639 Words3 Pages
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a growing nursing concern and one that is 100% preventable with proper prenatal care. NAS occurs in infants who have suffered prenatal opiate exposure sufficient to cause withdrawal signs after birth. Women who use heroin are prescribed Methadone during pregnancy. After the birth, the infant is slowly weaned from the Methadone. The article addresses proper communication and assessment with the drug-addicted mother, care of both mother and the drug-dependent newborn. Murray and McKinney (2010) approximate one in 10 infants are exposed to one or more mood-altering drugs during pregnancy (p. 590). Nelson (2013) states, “The nursing profession has the opportunity to lead research, and develop nursing interventions…show more content…
The Texas Nurse Practice Act- rule 217.11 (L) “Provide, without discrimination, nursing services regardless of the age, disability, economic status, gender, national origin, race, religion, health problems, or sexual orientation of the client served” follows one of the four main ethical principles, justice. Justice is defined in our book as “all people should be treated equally and fairly regardless of disease or social or economic status.” (Murray & McKinney, p. 37) Substance abuse occurs in all populations, the nurse must not make assumptions based on class, race, or economic status. Autonomy is the right to self-determination and includes the right to respect, privacy, and information necessary to make decisions based on the clients’ personal values and beliefs. Respecting the client’s choices and providing her with all the necessary information to make an informed decision is part of the nurse’s role in maintaining autonomy. Along with Nurse Practice Acts, other safeguards protect the client and set standards for the nurse. The nurse must also be familiar with the standards of care that are set by professional associations and describe the level of care that can be expected from practitioners. These rules and policies are set by professional organizations and lastly, each health care agency has specific protocols in place that govern nursing
Show More
Related

  • Persuasive Essay On Drug Abuse

    760 Words  | 4 Pages

    Anxious, irritable, and depressed. These are all emotions millions feel as they go through drug withdrawal, leading to refusal of ending their drug usage. While many choose to believe that weed is harmless, non-addictive, and calming, it also clouds their judgment. It is more likely for those smoking weed to become addicted to worse drugs such as heroine. Over 9.4% of the US population are using and abusing drugs. How does it feel to know that at least one baby is born every hour addicted to drugs

    Read More

More about Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

Open Document