Final answer:
Even a single alcoholic drink during pregnancy can result in the loss of fetal brain cells, leading to disorders like FASD or FAS.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse cautions that the consumption of as few as one alcoholic drink during pregnancy can lead to the loss of fetal brain cells. Alcohol is a teratogen that, when consumed during pregnancy, can lead to a range of developmental disorders in the unborn child collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) or the more severe fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). According to research, there's no clear safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy, and even limited exposure to alcohol at crucial times during gestation may lead to significant abnormalities such as facial deformities, growth deficits, and cognitive and behavioral issues.