Finnegan Score Calculator
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Assessment Tool
Finnegan NAS Assessment
Instructions: This assessment should be performed on awake, calm infants. Evaluate the baby's behavior since the last scoring. This tool is for healthcare professionals only.
⚠️ Healthcare Professional Use Only
• This assessment must be performed by trained medical professionals
• Used for clinical management of neonatal abstinence syndrome
• Requires proper medical training in neonatal care
• Not for use by parents or non-medical personnel
Central Nervous System Disturbances
Cry
Sleep
Moro Reflex
Tremors
Additional CNS Symptoms (Check all that apply)
Metabolic, Vasomotor, and Respiratory Disturbances
Body Temperature
Respiratory Rate
Additional Symptoms (Check all that apply)
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
Feeding and GI Symptoms (Check all that apply)
Stools
Finnegan Score Results
Assessment: Mild NAS
Clinical Indication: Mild neonatal abstinence syndrome symptoms
Monitoring: Monitor every 3-4 hours
Treatment: Continue nonpharmacological treatment. No medication typically needed.
🚨 Critical Medical Information
• This tool is for healthcare professionals only - not for parental use
• Requires proper medical training in neonatal assessment and NAS management
• Assessment must be performed on awake, calm infants by trained staff
• Used for clinical management decisions in hospital/medical settings
• Pharmacological treatment decisions require physician evaluation
• Always consult qualified neonatologists for NAS management
Current Score: 0
NAS Severity Guidelines
Treatment Indications
- • Three consecutive scores ≥8
- • Two consecutive scores ≥12
- • Seizures or severe symptoms
Understanding Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
What is NAS?
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a withdrawal syndrome that occurs in newborns exposed to drugs during pregnancy. The Finnegan Score is a validated assessment tool used to quantify the severity of withdrawal symptoms and guide treatment decisions.
Assessment Protocol
- •First assessment within 2 hours of birth
- •Subsequently every 4 hours (or 2 hours if score ≥8)
- •Baby must be awake and calm during assessment
- •Evaluate behavior since last scoring
Treatment Approaches
Nonpharmacological
Gentle handling, swaddling, minimal stimulation, demand feeding, massage therapy
Pharmacological
Morphine, methadone, phenobarbital, clonidine (when nonpharmacological insufficient)
Long-term Considerations
Potential developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues
Important: This assessment requires specialized training in neonatal care and should only be performed by qualified healthcare professionals.