Chapter 22: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Children)

Question 1

Teratogenic Effects

Answer 1

causing abnormal development of the embryo

-teratogenic effects of alcohol

Question 2

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Answer 2

-common disorder with a range of physical and neurodevelopmental problems that are known to be completely preventable
>FASD describes a continuum of alcohol-related disorders:
-fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
-alcohol-related neurodevelopment disorder (ARND)
-alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)

Question 3

Signs and Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Answer 3

• abnormal facial features (i.e. epicanthal folds, flat mid-face, short nose, short eye openings, thin upper lip, underdeveloped jaw, and groove in upper lip)
• growth problems
• hyperactive behavior
• learning and attention difficulties
• poor motor skills
• developmental delays or disabilities

Question 4

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)

Answer 4

• intellectual disabilities
• behavioral problems
• learning problems
• poor attention
• poor judgment
• poor impulse control

Question 5

Signs and Symptoms of alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)

Answer 5

-physiological problems (heart, kidneys, orthopedic, and/or hearing)

Question 6

Diagnosis

Answer 6

• early diagnosis important, but difficult without definitive evidence of maternal alcohol ingestion
• diagnosis of FASD requires a comprehensive history, including information on maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy
• physical characteristics at birth can alert the nurse that the infant needs further testing for this syndrome

Question 7

Prevention

Answer 7

• FASD and ARND are 100% preventable
• important to develop prevention programs to reduce the rates of these disorders
• can provide information to families about the effects of alcohol on the fetus
• school nurses can provide early education regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy
• safe amount is no alcohol intake during pregnancy
• can help identify cases of FASD and help families seek appropriate services

Question 8

Nursing Care

Answer 8

• no cure for FASD
• nurses must understand that early intervention and referral can help the child and family function optimally
• involving the child in early education such as the birth-to-three services as an infant and in special education as a preschooler can help her learn adaptive skills to use throughout life
• help parents work with their child and learn about limitations and strengths of the child

Question 9

Education/Discharge

Answer 9

• women of childbearing age can be informed of the preventability of FAS through abstinence from alcohol ingestion during pregnancy
• parents with a child who has FAS must be taught how to cope with behaviors and given resources to help them deal with their limitations