What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and name two potential physical or neurodevelopmental features.

• A. A temporary condition resolved after birth; features include improved memory
• B. A range of effects from prenatal alcohol exposure; features include facial abnormalities (short palpebral fissures) and neurodevelopmental deficits (cognitive impairment, ADHD-like symptoms)
• C. A disease caused by postnatal alcohol exposure; features include obesity and diabetes
• D. A disorder unrelated to alcohol; features include acne and nearsightedness

Answer: (B)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a range of effects that can result from alcohol exposure before birth. This condition arises because alcohol is a teratogen that can disrupt fetal development in multiple ways, and the severity depends on how much and when during pregnancy the exposure occurs. A typical pair of features you might see includes facial abnormalities, such as short palpebral fissures, and neurodevelopmental deficits, like cognitive impairment or ADHD-like symptoms. These reflect the brain and facial development disruptions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. It isn’t a condition that resolves after birth, nor is it caused by postnatal exposure, and it wouldn’t be characterized by unrelated issues like obesity/diabetes or acne/nearsightedness.