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Neonatal abstinence syndrome — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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HardNeonatologyNeonatal abstinence syndromeRACP Paediatrics

A term infant is born to a mother receiving opioid substitution therapy. At 36 hours the baby has tremor, high-pitched crying, poor feeding and loose stools, but oxygenation and glucose are normal. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: C — Use low-stimulation supportive care with scoring and pharmacotherapy if symptoms escalate

Neonatal abstinence syndrome is managed first with supportive measures such as rooming-in, swaddling and careful feeding, with structured assessment and medication when severity warrants it. Breastfeeding is often supported when maternal treatment is supervised and no contraindication exists. Naloxone can precipitate acute withdrawal and is not treatment for this syndrome.

Reference: RCH Neonatal abstinence syndrome guideline; RACP Knowledge Guides