A client at 24 weeks of gestation says she has a glass of wine with dinner every evening. Which is the reason the nurse should give to counsel her to eliminate all alcohol intake?

Question

a. The fetus is placed at risk for altered brain growth.
b. The fetus is at risk for severe nervous system injury.
c. The client will be at risk for abusing other substances as well.
d. A daily consumption of alcohol indicates a risk for alcoholism.

Answer 1

ANS: A
The brain grows most rapidly in the third trimester and is most vulnerable to alcohol exposure during this time. The major concerns are mental retardation, learning disabilities, high activity level, and short attention span. The risk to the client for abusing other substances is not the major risk for the infant. It has not been proven that daily consumption of alcohol indicates a risk for alcoholism.