Shamona, a pregnant mother in Flint, Michigan, is concerned about the drinking water, which shows high levels of lead. Shamona should know that high levels of prenatal lead exposure are related to __________.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: High levels of prenatal lead exposure are related to low birth weight and brain damage. Lead exposure during pregnancy can have harmful effects on the developing fetus, leading to complications such as decreased birth weight and potential long-term brain damage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly correlate with the known effects of prenatal lead exposure. While lead exposure can indeed cause a variety of health issues, such as heart defects and urinary tract problems, the primary concerns related to prenatal exposure are low birth weight and brain damage.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Having access to social support during stressful periods can greatly reduce the effects of stress on the developing organism. Social support can provide emotional comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging, which can help the expectant mother cope with stress more effectively. This support system can also help mitigate the negative impact of stress on the developing baby during pregnancy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while folic acid is important for prenatal health, it does not directly address the effects of stress. Taking anti-anxiety medication should be done under medical supervision and as a last resort due to potential risks to the developing baby. Bed rest during the last trimester is not a solution to reduce the effects of stress and may not address the underlying causes of stress.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Maternal high blood glucose is linked to poorer memory in early childhood. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of maternal blood glucose during pregnancy may negatively impact a child's memory development in early childhood. This highlights the importance of managing blood glucose levels during pregnancy for the health and development of the child. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the established link between maternal high blood glucose and poorer memory in early childhood. Rh factor incompatibility is related to blood type differences between the mother and the fetus, low birth weight can be linked to various factors other than maternal blood glucose, and sharp increases in the mother's blood pressure are not directly associated with maternal high blood glucose.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: During the third stage of labor, the correct answer is C, the placenta is delivered. This stage occurs after the baby is born and involves the expulsion of the placenta from the uterus. Choice A is incorrect because the thinning of the cervix to nothing typically occurs during the first stage of labor. Choice B is incorrect as uterine contractions usually begin during the first stage of labor to help with the dilation of the cervix. Choice D is incorrect because the baby is typically born in the second stage of labor, not the third.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Among the Apgar criteria, the pink color (choice A), reflex irritability (choice B), and limp muscle tone (choice C) are relatively easy to assess in newborns of all races. However, the criterion that can be more difficult to apply to newborns of all races is strong breathing (choice D). This is because evaluating the strength of a newborn's breathing can be more subjective and require careful observation. Unlike the other criteria that have more visible and objective indicators, assessing the strength of breathing might vary based on the observer's interpretation, making it more challenging to apply universally.