Ch. 3-The Prenatal Period, Birth, and the Newborn, application

A woman consumes alcohol heavily during weeks 4–6 of pregnancy. Based on prenatal development timing, which outcome is MOST likely?

• Minor sensory deficits only

• Structural abnormalities due to disrupted organogenesis

• No significant effects because the placenta blocks alcohol

• Deficits limited to reflex development

Two infants are exposed to the same level of cigarette smoke prenatally. One is born premature; the other is not. This difference best illustrates:

• Critical periods

• Sleeper effects

• Individual differences in genetic vulnerability

• Dose-response effects

A newborn shows a strong startle response when a door slams, extending their arms and tilting their head back. Which conclusion is MOST accurate?

• The reflex indicates advanced motor development

• This reflex should disappear by 4 months

• This is a survival reflex essential for feeding

• This is a primitive reflex typical of healthy newborns

A fetus born at 23 weeks survives but experiences significant medical complications. Which factor BEST explains this outcome?

• Lack of prenatal sensory development

• Immature lungs and organ systems

• Absence of survival reflexes

• Failure of the placenta during labor

A pregnant person is exposed to rubella during the first trimester. Their child is later born deaf and blind. This outcome BEST demonstrates:

• Sleeper effects

• Complicated effects of teratogens

• Genetic abnormalities

• Protective effects of the placenta

Which scenario BEST demonstrates a sleeper effect of a teratogen?

• A newborn with missing limbs at birth

• A fetus that miscarries at 8 weeks

• A child with learning disabilities emerging in elementary school

• A premature infant with breathing difficulties

Why is exposure to teratogens during the embryonic period generally more harmful than during the fetal period?

• The placenta is not present

• Brain development has not started

• Major organs are forming during this time

• The fetus lacks genetic defenses

A newborn prefers their mother’s voice and native language over unfamiliar ones. Which explanation BEST fits this finding?

• Visual memory formed after birth

• Reflexive auditory responses

• Prenatal learning and memory

• Postnatal social bonding

A baby is born weighing 4.8 pounds at 39 weeks gestation. This infant would be classified as:

• Preterm

• Low birth weight

• Small-for-date

• Very low birth weight

A physician notes that a newborn has lanugo and vernix caseosa. Which interpretation is MOST accurate?

• These features indicate prematurity

• These are abnormal skin conditions

• These features are typical and protective

• These features suggest prenatal stress