What is the best-known effect of smoking during the prenatal period?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The best-known effect of smoking during the prenatal period is low birth weight. Smoking during pregnancy is a known teratogen that can lead to negative outcomes for the developing fetus, such as growth restrictions resulting in low birth weight. This condition can have significant long-term consequences on the child's health and development. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not the primary effect associated with smoking during the prenatal period. Colic is typically associated with digestive issues, respiratory distress at birth can be caused by various factors other than smoking, and delayed language development is not directly linked to smoking during pregnancy.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Chinara is Rh-negative and Savon, her first child, is Rh-positive. This presents a risk of Rh incompatibility in future pregnancies. To prevent the buildup of antibodies to the foreign Rh protein and protect future pregnancies, Chinara's doctor will likely give her a vaccine known as RhoGAM to prevent her immune system from reacting to Rh-positive blood cells. This vaccine helps to minimize the risks of complications in subsequent pregnancies. Choice A is incorrect because the vaccine is given to the mother, not the child. Choice B is incorrect as advising against having more children is not a typical response when preventive measures are available. Choice D is incorrect because all subsequent pregnancies are at risk of Rh incompatibility, not just the firstborn child.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the last weeks of pregnancy, most fetuses assume an upside-down position known as the head-down position or vertex presentation. This position is ideal for a smoother labor and delivery process as it helps the baby move through the birth canal. Fetal growth has already slowed down at this stage, so option C is incorrect. Option A is inaccurate as the fetus typically gains weight in the final weeks. Option D is incorrect because the fetus relies on the mother's immune system while in the womb.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement about epidural analgesia is that it limits pain reduction to the pelvic region by blocking nerve signals from that specific area, providing pain relief during labor and delivery. Choice A is incorrect because epidural analgesia does not numb the entire lower half of the body. Choice C is incorrect because epidural analgesia does not strengthen uterine contractions; in fact, it may sometimes weaken them. Choice D is incorrect because epidural analgesia does not shorten the length of labor; it can sometimes prolong labor.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a medication commonly used to treat severe acne, but it is a potent teratogen, meaning it can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Aspirin (choice A) is not a widely used potent teratogen. Diethylstilbestrol (DES) (choice B) was a known teratogen, but it is not currently widely used. Thalidomide (choice C) was another historical teratogen, but it is also not currently widely used. Therefore, isotretinoin is the most relevant answer as it is a commonly used medication that poses a high risk of birth defects if used during pregnancy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The major strength of the clinical interview is that it can provide a large amount of information in a fairly brief period. This allows researchers to gather detailed data about an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors efficiently. Choice A is incorrect because the clinical interview focuses on gathering information from individuals rather than comparing their responses. Choice C is incorrect as clinical interviews are primarily aimed at understanding individuals rather than cultures or social groups. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a strength of naturalistic observations, not clinical interviews.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rotunda, age 16, is the most likely to have had inadequate prenatal care due to her young age and possibly limited access to healthcare resources and support. Adolescents are at higher risk for inadequate prenatal care compared to older mothers due to various factors such as lack of awareness, financial constraints, and inconsistent health behaviors. Young mothers may face challenges in seeking proper prenatal care due to reasons like lack of knowledge, fear of judgment, or limited financial means. Older mothers like Lupe, Marissa, and Janette are less likely to have inadequate prenatal care compared to a younger mother like Rotunda, as they may have more access to resources, experience, and support systems.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Naturalistic observation reflects the participants' everyday lives because it involves observing individuals in their natural environments without any manipulation. This allows researchers to see how people behave in real-world settings and can provide valuable insights into their typical behavior patterns. Choice B is incorrect because naturalistic observation focuses on observing behavior in its natural setting rather than comparing responses between participants. Choice C is incorrect as naturalistic observation tends to provide rich, qualitative data rather than a large amount of information in a short time. Choice D is incorrect because in naturalistic observation, participants are observed as they naturally behave, which may not always lead to an equal opportunity for all participants to display the behavior of interest.