What finding is expected in a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawals?

In a newborn experiencing opioid withdrawal, moderate tremors of the extremities are a common finding. Opioid withdrawal symptoms in infants, often referred to as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), can manifest in various ways, including generalized hyperactivity, irritability, and tremors. The tremors can be noted when the infant is awake or during feeding.

The presence of moderate tremors of the extremities is indicative of the central nervous system's heightened excitability that occurs due to the withdrawal from opioid exposure. This understanding stems from the physiological impact of opioids, which depress the central nervous system. Once the exposure to the drug is removed, the infant's nervous system can become overactive, resulting in such tremors.

Hypotonicity, or decreased muscle tone, is typically not associated with opioid withdrawal; instead, infants may present with signs of increased muscle tone. An axillary temperature of 36.1°C (96.9°F) reflects mild hypothermia, which may occur in some cases but is not a specific sign of withdrawal. Excessive sleeping can relate to a variety of factors but is not a hallmark of withdrawal symptoms in newborns, where increased irritability and hyperactivity are more characteristic.