Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: The Nurse Practitioner Perspective

Abstract

Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading cause of mental retardation in the United States. The tragedy is that while FAS is irreversible, it is 100% preventable. FAS is caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol is a teratogen and acts in different ways to produce physical and central nervous system malformations and defects in the developing embryo and fetus. FAS is characterized by a history of maternal alcohol ingestion, central nervous system dysfunction, growth deficiencies, and specific physical anomalies. Adolescents and adults with FAS have behavioral problems that differentiate them from other mentally disabled individuals. Nurse practitioners can have an impact on the prevalence of FAS by educating clients about FAS and its relationship to alcohol consumption. NPs need to carefully identify high-risk women and their partners before a pregnancy occurs and assist with interventions to stop active alcoholism or alcohol use during pregnancy. NPs have the capability to decrease the severity of alcohol's effects during pregnancy through education, counseling, and intervention. NPs have the skills to work with case-finding and early identification of infants and children who display signs and symptoms of FAS. With such case-finding, early identification, and prompt referral to the appropriate diagnostic and/or supportive community agencies, individuals with FAS can receive timely intervention to minimize the effects of FAS. Adults with behavioral problems can be assessed for FAS and referred for appropriate assistance as well. Finally, NPs can facilitate public awareness of FAS through educational efforts with individuals, families, and communities.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Survey of Healthcare Providers after Continuing Education

“…The effects of alcohol on fetal development are multi-focal, incurable, and completely preventable by abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy [20,21]. Healthcare providers play a vital role in delivering FASD-related information to women at high risk for drinking and in caring for children with FASD [8,10,15,22]. To enhance knowledge and practice behaviors, the Midwest and Southeast Regional Training Centers instructed healthcare providers in screening and interventions of women for at-risk of drinking, along with the diagnosis of and interventions for children with FASD.…”

Prenatal exposure of ethanol induces increased glutamatergic neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells

“…The central nervous system is the main organ affected by FAS [10-13], and neurological symptoms include mental retardation, learning disabilities and ADHD-like symptoms such as hyperactivity in childhood [14,15]. Children with FASD usually exhibit smaller brain size, so-called microcephaly [16].…”

Health Care Students’ Attitudes About Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy: Responses to Narrative Vignettes

“…Nurse practitioners play an influential role in FASD prevention, management, and education, as they can identify high-risk women and their partners before a pregnancy occurs, they can work with caregivers to facilitate early identification and prompt referral for diagnosis, they can utilize evidence-based interventions to prevent adverse outcomes, and they can support both children and adults with FASD (Caley, Shipkey, Winkelman, Dunlap, & Rivera, 2006; Quick, 1996). In addition, nurse practitioners can reduce the prevalence of FASD through educating their patients about FASD and the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and facilitating public awareness through educational efforts with individuals, families, and communities (Quick, 1996). However, the results of this study demonstrate that health care students have significant gaps in their knowledge regarding women who may be more likely to consume alcohol during pregnancy.…”