Question

In caring for the mother who has abused (or is abusing) alcohol and for her infant, nurses should be aware that:

a. The pattern of growth restriction of the fetus begun in prenatal life is halted after birth, and normal growth takes over.
b. Two thirds of newborns with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) are boys.
c. Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders not sufficient to meet FAS criteria (learning disabilities, speech and language problems) are often not detected until the child goes to school.
d. Both the distinctive facial features of the FAS infant and the diminished mental capacities tend toward normal over time.

Answer 1

Nurses should know that alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders in children exposed to alcohol in utero often aren't evident until school age and can have lasting effects, while the claim that two-thirds of FAS cases are boys is unsubstantiated.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a mother who has abused alcohol and her infant, especially in cases of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), nurses should be aware that alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders often are not detected until the child starts school. These can include learning disabilities, speech, and language problems. It's important to understand that while the growth restriction of the fetus due to alcohol exposure may continue postnatally, the distinctive facial features and cognitive impairments associated with FAS do not tend towards normal over time and can have lasting impacts. In terms of gender distribution, the statement that two-thirds of newborns with FAS are boys is not supported by the evidence provided.