Document Detail


Fetal alcohol syndrome: the nurse practitioner perspective.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  9281978     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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.
Authors:
S Quick
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners     Volume:  8     ISSN:  1041-2972     ISO Abbreviation:  J Am Acad Nurse Pract     Publication Date:  1996 Jul 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  1997-09-11     Completed Date:  1997-09-11     Revised Date:  2005-11-16    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8916634     Medline TA:  J Am Acad Nurse Pract     Country:  UNITED STATES    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  343-9; quiz 350-2     Citation Subset:  N    
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Female
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome* / diagnosis,  epidemiology,  therapy
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Nurse Practitioners
Pregnancy
Primary Prevention
Risk Factors
United States / epidemiology

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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