In developing countries, the most readily available intervention for promoting the recovery of preterm babies is _________.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In developing countries, the most readily available intervention for promoting the recovery of preterm babies is skin-to-skin 'kangaroo care.' This involves direct skin-to-skin contact between the baby and a caregiver, typically the mother, which helps regulate the baby's body temperature, improve bonding, and support overall development. Kangaroo care can be easily implemented even in resource-limited settings and has been shown to have positive effects on preterm infants' health outcomes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because hospitalization, care in an isolette, and lying on a waterbed are not specifically tailored interventions that address the unique needs of preterm babies in developing countries like kangaroo care does.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Babies who spend more time alert are likely to have a slight advantage in mental development. Being alert allows babies to engage with their surroundings, explore, and learn, which can contribute to their cognitive development. This is different from social development, which is more related to interactions with others, and not necessarily impacted by the amount of alertness a baby displays. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because there is no direct correlation between a baby's alertness and their parents' feelings of incompetence, a big disadvantage in social development, or the effort parents need to soothe them.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Impaired brain functioning is a major contributor to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research has shown that abnormalities in the brainstem, which controls automatic functions like breathing and heart rate, can play a role in SIDS cases. As such, mounting evidence suggests that compromised brain functioning is a significant factor in the occurrence of SIDS. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Higher-than-average birth weight, organized and patterned sleep behavior, and a family history of chromosomal abnormalities are not identified as major contributors to SIDS according to the provided information.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sensitivity to touch emerges early prenatally and is well-developed at birth. Newborn babies have a well-developed sense of touch, which is crucial for bonding with their caregivers and exploring their environment. This sensitivity to touch helps babies respond to comforting sensations such as gentle strokes and cuddles. Visual acuity, color vision, and depth perception are sensory capabilities that develop and mature after birth, not prenatally. While important for interacting with the environment, they are not as well-developed at birth as sensitivity to touch.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Three-month-old Jefferson will likely listen longer to human speech compared to nonspeech sounds because infants have a natural preference for speech sounds. This preference is believed to be attributed to their biological readiness to learn language and communicate with others. Choice A is incorrect because voices are a form of human speech, which is preferred over pure tones. Choice B is incorrect as noises do not necessarily engage infants' attention as effectively as human speech. Choice D is incorrect because Jefferson is more likely to listen longer to his native language rather than a foreign language at this early age.