What symptomatic presentation is associated with a newborn in a state of withdrawal?

In the context of newborn withdrawal, increased irritability is a key symptom observed. Newborns who are experiencing withdrawal from substances, such as opioids, often present with heightened sensitivity to stimuli and display signs of excessive crying or restlessness. This irritability can result from the central nervous system being overstimulated due to the absence of the substance they were exposed to in utero.

Additionally, while some newborns may show fluctuations in vital signs during withdrawal, stable vital signs are not typically associated with withdrawal symptoms. Elevated blood pressure may occur in certain contexts but is not as characteristic as irritability. Decreased alertness may also be observed in other conditions, but it is not a typical presentation in withdrawal, where the newborn is usually more reactive to external stimuli. Increased irritability effectively captures the essence of the withdrawal state in newborns, making it the appropriate answer.