FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

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Prepare for the FAU Advanced Health Assessment Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to excel in your exam!

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What is the primary cause of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?

Maternal smoking
Maternal caffeine consumption
Maternal alcohol consumption
Maternal drug use

The correct answer is: Maternal alcohol consumption

The primary cause of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Alcohol can cross the placenta and affect fetal development, particularly during the first trimester when the fetus's organs are forming. Exposure to alcohol at this critical time can result in a range of physical, behavioral, and learning disabilities that characterize FAS. The teratogenic effects of alcohol are well-documented, leading to various dysmorphic features such as facial abnormalities, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system issues in affected children. Unlike smoking, caffeine, or other drug use, alcohol has a specific and direct causal link to the developmental issues observed in FAS, making it the primary concern for expectant mothers in terms of substance exposure. Other substances may pose risks, but they do not have the same established association with the syndrome as alcohol does.