Substance use: fetal alcohol syndrome: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Substance use: fetal alcohol syndrome

Sample item

A newborn has a smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, short palpebral fissures and microcephaly. The mother drank heavily in pregnancy. This is

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Fetal alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome features characteristic facies, growth restriction and central nervous system damage, with intellectual disability and behavioural problems. It is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability. No safe level of alcohol in pregnancy has been established.

Option by option

  • A. Fetal alcohol syndrome (correct)

    Correct. These facial features with maternal alcohol use are diagnostic of FAS.

  • B. Congenital hypothyroidism

    Congenital hypothyroidism shows lethargy, macroglossia and jaundice.

  • C. Fragile X syndrome

    Fragile X shows long face and large ears with macro-orchidism.

  • D. Down syndrome

    Down syndrome has upslanting fissures, a flat nasal bridge and trisomy 21.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is A, Fetal alcohol syndrome. Fetal alcohol syndrome features characteristic facies, growth restriction and central nervous system damage, with intellectual disability and behavioural problems.

Why is "Congenital hypothyroidism" not the answer?

Congenital hypothyroidism shows lethargy, macroglossia and jaundice.

Why is "Fragile X syndrome" not the answer?

Fragile X shows long face and large ears with macro-orchidism.

Why is "Down syndrome" not the answer?

Down syndrome has upslanting fissures, a flat nasal bridge and trisomy 21.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Substance use: fetal alcohol syndrome in Psychiatry. It is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability. No safe level of alcohol in pregnancy has been established.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Substance use: fetal alcohol syndrome?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.