👶 Modified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Score
UseWhen to use: neonates at risk for NAS/NOWS during observation or weaning.
StrataRising scores support escalating supportive care and possible medication; single scores need context.
LimitsWhen not to use: as a toxicology substitute or outside neonatal proto… · Pitfall: inconsistent inter-rater technique on cry/tremor/tone. · Eat-Sleep-Console pathways may coexist — follow unit policy.
SourceFinnegan LP, et al. neonatal abstinence scoring (modified tools in widespread use)
This-shift next steps
After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.
Paste the link in Slack, Teams, X, or LinkedIn — the preview image comes from this page’s Open Graph card.
Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Published Finnegan weights.
When to use
When to use: neonates at risk for NAS/NOWS during observation or weaning.
How it works
Sum CNS + metabolic/vasomotor/respiratory + GI published item points each scoring interval.
Key points
- Published Finnegan weights.
- Supportive care first.
- Next: ESC pathway / neonatology.
References
- Finnegan LP, et al. neonatal abstinence scoring (modified tools in widespread use)
- China neonatology NAS practice notes on zh when cited
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Cry | Excessive high-pitched (2) |
|---|---|
| Sleep after feeding | Sleeps <3 h (1) |
| Moro reflex | Hyperactive (2) |
| Tremors | Moderate–severe when disturbed (2) |
| Increased muscle tone | No (0) |
| Myoclonic jerks | No (0) |
| Convulsions | No (0) |
| Sweating | No (0) |
| Fever | 37.2–38.3 °C (1) |
| Mottling | No (0) |
| Frequent yawning (>3–4 / interval) | No (0) |
| Sneezing (>3–4 / interval) | No (0) |
| Nasal stuffiness | No (0) |
| Nasal flaring | No (0) |
| Respiratory rate | > 60/min (1) |
| Excessive sucking | No (0) |
| Poor feeding | No (0) |
| Regurgitation | No (0) |
| Projectile vomiting | No (0) |
| Stools | Loose (2) |
→Finnegan NAS11pts
- Band：≥8 — many protocols increase frequency / consider Rx if repeated
- Common Rx rule：Often 3 consecutive ≥8 or 2 consecutive ≥12 (local protocol)
| Cry | Normal (0) |
|---|---|
| Sleep after feeding | Normal (0) |
| Moro reflex | Normal (0) |
| Tremors | None (0) |
| Increased muscle tone | No (0) |
| Myoclonic jerks | No (0) |
| Convulsions | No (0) |
| Sweating | No (0) |
| Fever | None (0) |
| Mottling | No (0) |
| Frequent yawning (>3–4 / interval) | No (0) |
| Sneezing (>3–4 / interval) | No (0) |
| Nasal stuffiness | No (0) |
| Nasal flaring | No (0) |
| Respiratory rate | Normal (0) |
| Excessive sucking | No (0) |
| Poor feeding | No (0) |
| Regurgitation | No (0) |
| Projectile vomiting | No (0) |
| Stools | Normal (0) |
→Finnegan NAS0pts
- Band：Below common pharmacologic threshold (often score q4h)
- Common Rx rule：Often 3 consecutive ≥8 or 2 consecutive ≥12 (local protocol)
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- Does Modified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Score upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
- Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
- How is Modified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Score calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Cry Excessive high-pitched (2), Sleep after feeding Sleeps <3 h (1), Moro reflex Hyperactive (2), Tremors Moderate–severe when disturbed (2), Increased muscle tone No (0), Myoclonic jerks No (0), Convulsions No (0), Sweating No (0)… → Result: Finnegan NAS 11 pts（Band: ≥8 — many protocols increase frequency / consider Rx if repeated, Common Rx rule: Often 3 consecutive ≥8 or 2 consecutive ≥12 (local protocol)） Inputs: Cry Normal (0), Sleep after feeding Normal (0), Moro reflex Normal (0), Tremors None (0), Increased muscle tone No (0), Myoclonic jerks No (0), Convulsions No (0), Sweating No (0)… → Result: Finnegan NAS 0 pts（Band: Below common pharmacologic threshold (often score q4h), Common Rx rule: Often 3 consecutive ≥8 or 2 consecutive ≥12 (local protocol)）