Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

What can be determined from hair analysis toxicology screening on a newborn?

1. A negative test rules out drug exposure

2. Maternal drug use during the previous 3 months can be determined

3. Recent maternal drug use can be detected

4. Only illicit drug use can be confirmed

The correct answer is: Maternal drug use during the previous 3 months can be determined

Hair analysis in toxicology screening for newborns provides valuable insights into maternal drug use. This method allows for the detection of substances that may have been ingested or used by the mother over an extended period. Specifically, hair can retain traces of drugs for up to three months or longer, making it a useful tool for assessing chronic exposure. When a positive result is found in hair analysis, it typically indicates that the mother was exposed to certain drugs during the last three months of her pregnancy. This contrasts with other testing methods, such as urine analysis, which may only reveal recent drug use. Therefore, this method is particularly effective in understanding potential risks to the newborn linked to maternal drug history. In the context of this question, the correct answer emphasizes the time frame for which maternal drug use can be determined, specifically highlighting the capability of hair analysis to detect drug residues from the previous three months.