Best Nursing Practices In Treating Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Abstract

This paper reviews the current research on best nursing practices for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Women who use substances while pregnant put their babies at an increased risk for getting NAS. At delivery, the maternal drug supply is cut, which can cause a range of withdrawal symptoms. Evidence-based articles published within five years were found on Pubmed, Google Scholar, and CINHAL. The articles focus on nonpharmacologic interventions that can be used to reduce the need for pharmacologic treatment. Nonpharmacologic interventions include swaddling, vibrotactile stimulation, laser acupuncture, rooming-in, breastfeeding, kangaroo care, reiki therapy, and a quiet, dark environment. If these methods do not relieve symptoms, pharmacologic treatment may be necessary. Traditional pharmacologic therapy is oral morphine; however, methadone is an alternative. Buprenorphine is a promising new option due to a shorter length of stay in the hospital. Other articles discuss the implementation of a clinical practice guideline, the safety of breastfeeding while the mother is on a drug maintenance plan, and the characteristics of maternal-infant dyad interactions. Based on the review of current literature, this paper will identify the best nursing practice recommendations for nurses, a proposed implementation plan for the recommendations, and an evaluation of the implementation process.