Supporting, Caregiving, and Educational Role of the Nurse Towards Pediatric Patients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause irreversible damage to the child’s body and lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), characterized by multiple permanent developmental defects, both neurological and physical, which pose significant challenges for the child throughout their life.

Aim. he aim of this study is to recognize caregiving problems and indicate the nurse’s tasks towards pediatric patients with FAS.

Case study. A 7-year and 6-month-old patient was admitted to the ward for follow-up examinations due to lymphadenopathy, and is also a patient diagnosed with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). On the day of admission, the patient’s condition was good. However, for the past few days, the patient has been complaining of shortness of breath, and a fever of 38˚C was noted on the day of admission. Additionally, the child frequently refuses to eat, and after consuming milk soup, diarrhea occurred. The patient has a peripheral cannula placed on the right hand. The child is showing signs of self-harm, such as waking up at night and hitting their head against the bed rails, as well as depressive states. Previous observations indicate that the child is non-verbal. Due to the above, the patient requires continuous monitoring. Despite being in a care facility, the patient’s mother will be visiting the ward and needs education regarding the care of a child with shortness of breath and signs of self-harm.

Conclusion. A nurse caring for a child with fetal alcohol syndrome is obligated to carefully and continuously monitor the patient’s health status and their response to treatment and techniques aimed at helping them function properly. A comprehensive and individual approach to the patient is required, as well as specific education for the caregivers of the affected child.