Final answer:
In assessing FAS, a nurse would expect to find a newborn with short palpebral fissures and a flat midface, consistent with the syndrome's craniofacial anomalies.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a newborn for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a nurse would expect to note several distinct physical characteristics. One such finding indicative of FAS is short palpebral fissures and a flat midface. This aligns with the characteristic craniofacial anomalies associated with the condition. Other FAS features include a thin upper lip, an indistinct philtrum, and potential for below-average head circumference, rather than a greater-than-average length or weight. Cognitive deficits and learning disabilities may also be present, as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure impacting neurological development during sensitive periods of fetal growth.