What is the appropriate nursing action for a newborn exhibiting signs of drug withdrawal?

In the context of a newborn exhibiting signs of drug withdrawal, swaddling the infant in a flexed position is appropriate because this technique provides comfort and security. A flexed position mimics the confined space of the womb, which can help reduce the newborn's stress response and promote a sense of stability. This method is especially beneficial for infants experiencing withdrawal symptoms, as they may be hypersensitive to their environment.

Swaddling can also help in minimizing excessive movements that may exacerbate irritability and discomfort in the newborn. Hence, this nursing intervention supports the infant's need for a calm and soothing environment, aiding in the management of withdrawal symptoms.

Providing a pacifier can indeed be helpful as a soothing mechanism, but it is not as critical as the supportive positioning achieved through swaddling. Monitoring the infant's temperature is essential in general nursing practice, but in the specific context of drug withdrawal, the immediate concerns might focus more on comfort measures. While promoting parent-infant bonding through holding is incredibly important, the foundational step of swaddling in a flexed position directly addresses the symptoms the newborn is experiencing.