Management of neonatal abstinence syndrome in the newborn nursery.

Maternal drug use and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are being seen across the United States. NAS occurs with withdrawal disturbances in response to the cessation of the pregnancy exposure. The clinical presentation of a newborn with NAS can include gastrointestinal, neurologic, vasomotor and respiratory symptoms. Assessment of newborns with NAS can often present as a challenge to maternal-child nurses. Treatment can include supportive care as well as pharmacologic therapies.