Which of the following are the most likely symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome?

• A. Yellow-stained teeth and reduced growth of long bones
• B. Down syndrome and cardiac malformations
• C. Spina bifida and juvenile arthritis
• D. Distinctive facial features and delayed development

Answer: (D)

Fetal alcohol syndrome arises from alcohol exposure before birth and tends to affect both physical growth and brain development. The most likely signs include distinctive facial features and delays in development. When these facial features are present alongside slower attainment of developmental milestones, it points to fetal alcohol-related effects on development.

The other descriptions don’t fit this pattern: yellow-stained teeth and reduced growth of long bones aren’t typical FAS signs; Down syndrome with cardiac malformations reflects a different genetic condition; spina bifida and juvenile arthritis describe separate neural tube and autoimmune issues. The combination of distinctive facial features and delayed development best matches what is seen with fetal alcohol exposure.