Question

A new mother's laboratory results indicate the presence of cocaine and alcohol. Which craniofacial characteristic indicates to the nurse that the newborn has fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)? Select all that apply.

1. _____ Thin upper lip

2. _____ Wide-open eyes

3. _____ Small upturned nose

4. _____ Larger than average head

5. _____ Smooth vertical ridge in the upper lip (Nugent 332-333)
Nugent, Patricia M. Mosby's Review Questions for the NCLEX-RN® Examination, 7th Edition. Mosby, 2011. VitalBook file.

Answer 1

FAS is indicated by a thin upper lip, smooth philtrum, and small eye openings. Nurses assess these visible craniofacial features in newborns to identify the syndrome.

Step-by-step explanation:

Craniofacial characteristics indicative of a newborn having fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) include a thin upper lip, smooth vertical ridge in the upper lip (also known as an indistinct philtrum), and smaller than average eye openings. The nurse should look for these features when assessing a newborn for signs of FAS. Additional symptoms may include cognitive deficits, behavioral problems, and developmental delays, but the facial features are often a more immediate and visible sign of the syndrome.