HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

Which statement indicates a woman understands the risks of alcohol during pregnancy?

1. A glass of wine with dinner is healthy.

2. Beer is not really hard alcohol, so I guess I can drink some.

3. If I drink, my baby may be harmed before I know I am pregnant.

4. Drinking with meals reduces the effects of alcohol.

The correct answer is: If I drink, my baby may be harmed before I know I am pregnant.

The statement that reflects a correct understanding of the risks associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy is the one indicating that if a woman drinks, her baby may be harmed before she knows she is pregnant. This is significant because alcohol can cross the placental barrier and affect fetal development even in the early stages of pregnancy, often before the mother is aware of her condition. This awareness highlights the importance of abstaining from alcohol during the entire reproductive years for women who could become pregnant, as the effects of alcohol can lead to developmental problems and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Other statements suggest misconceptions about alcohol consumption during pregnancy. For example, the notion that a single glass of wine is healthy trivializes the potential harm associated with any level of alcohol intake. The idea that beer is not hard alcohol implies a misunderstanding of how different alcoholic beverages can affect the body in similar ways. Lastly, the belief that drinking with meals may reduce the effects of alcohol overlooks the fact that consumption at any level can still pose a risk to fetal development.