Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome - Assignment Example

This study asserts that sufficient knowledge, proper diagnosis, the right approach to treatment, good screening protocols, and attitudes of healthcare practitioners are key factors in responding to the effects of NAS.Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a product of the said growing problem of drug abuse. It affects newborns who were subjected to fetal exposure to drugs by drug use of their mothers during pregnancy. While in the uterus, the drugs also reach the fetus and drug-dependency follows.

After birth, the drug is not anymore available, hence the withdrawal symptoms manifest. NAS is the collection of symptoms shown by the neonate during the first few weeks of life as a result of sudden drug withdrawal after birthDuring pregnancy, the woman is not just “eating for two”, but she breathes and drinks for two as well. Consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs affect both the mother and the baby. This poses health risks for the baby. A pregnant woman suffering from alcohol and substance abuse should see a health care provider to obtain proper advice and guidance on how to quit (National Women’s Health Information Center, 2007).

There have been reports that neonatal nurses have limited knowledge of NAS and that they have negative attitudes towards the drug-dependent mothers. Diagnosis of NAS is also complicated, as its symptoms can be indicative of other disorders. Accurate evaluation of the condition of the infant is vital in determining the kind of treatment that would be administered to the neonate. There have also been studies on the medications administered to the pregnant women such as methadone, morphine, and buprenorphine for withdrawal and their effects to the severity of NAS of the infant.

Anonymous screening at antenatal clinics in London showed that 11-16% of pregnant women patients were taking at least one illicit substance (Parkar et.al, 1995, Sherwood et.al, 1999, cited by Gerada et.al, 2003).