Positive toxicology screening in newborns: ethical issues in the decision to legally intervene
Burns, D.L.
Pediatric Nursing 23(1): 73
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0097-9805 PMID: 9137025 Document Number: 475330
Perinatal substance abuse causes a host of problems including physical and psychological impairments to a developing fetus. However, responding to the needs of pregnant women who use drugs and their children poses an additional challenge in this already deplorable situation. Foster care, adoption, criminalization, and reunification are all possibilities as intervention options in this dilemma. Each of these options prompts additional problems for mother, child, and provider. What was once uncommon or uncontroversial for public health nursing is now bringing a new wave of discussions in the health system and nurses need to be cognizant of the ramifications of delivering care to perinatal substance abusing mothers and their families. Assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation--the nursing process--emerges as an invaluable tool.