Which term describes the range of effects in a child exposed prenatally to alcohol?

Which term describes the range of effects in a child exposed prenatally to alcohol?

• A. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders/syndrome
• B. Problem drinkers
• C. Nicotine
• D. OTCs

Answer: (A)

Alcohol exposure before birth can cause a range of effects in the child. This broad set of outcomes is described as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It includes the most severe presentation, fetal alcohol syndrome, but also milder effects such as learning and behavioral problems and subtle physical features. That is why this term best describes the full range of possible outcomes. The other options don’t fit because they refer to adults who drink, a separate substance (nicotine), or non-prescription medications, none of which capture the range of fetal effects.

Alcohol exposure before birth can cause a range of effects in the child. This broad set of outcomes is described as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). It includes the most severe presentation, fetal alcohol syndrome, but also milder effects such as learning and behavioral problems and subtle physical features. That is why this term best describes the full range of possible outcomes. The other options don’t fit because they refer to adults who drink, a separate substance (nicotine), or non-prescription medications, none of which capture the range of fetal effects.