What is the best type of milk for infants below 6 months of age?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Breast milk. Breast milk is the best type of milk for infants below 6 months of age because it provides the ideal nutrition and antibodies necessary for their growth and development. It contains the perfect balance of nutrients, is easily digestible, and helps protect infants from infections and diseases. Choice A: Cow's milk is not recommended for infants below 6 months as it is difficult for them to digest and lacks essential nutrients like iron and vitamin E. Choice B: Goat's milk is also not recommended for infants below 6 months as it lacks certain nutrients and may cause allergic reactions. Choice D: Soy milk is not suitable as a primary source of nutrition for infants below 6 months as it may not provide all the necessary nutrients and can lead to digestive issues. In summary, breast milk is the best choice for infants below 6 months due to its unique composition and numerous benefits compared to other types of milk.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sunken fontanelle. Dehydration in infants can cause the fontanelle, the soft spot on the baby's head, to appear sunken. This is due to decreased fluid levels in the body. Sunken fontanelle is a common and easily identifiable sign of dehydration in infants. The other choices are incorrect because frequent urination is not typically associated with dehydration in infants, excessive drooling can be a normal part of teething, and increased appetite is not a specific sign of dehydration in infants.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Folic acid. Folic acid is critical for preventing neural tube defects as it is essential for proper development of the neural tube in the fetus. It helps in the formation of the baby's brain and spinal cord. Iron (A) is important for preventing anemia, not neural tube defects. Calcium (B) is crucial for bone health but not directly related to neural tube development. Vitamin D (D) is important for calcium absorption, but not specifically for preventing neural tube defects. Overall, folic acid stands out as the most critical nutrient for this purpose.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 6 months. At this age, infants' digestive systems are more developed and ready for solid foods. Introducing solids too early (A) can lead to allergies and digestion issues. Waiting until 9 months (C) or 12 months (D) can delay important nutrients and increase the risk of iron deficiency. In summary, introducing solids at 6 months strikes the right balance between developmental readiness and nutritional needs for infants.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Maternal HIV infection. Breastfeeding is contraindicated in mothers with HIV due to the risk of transmission to the infant through breast milk. HIV can be transmitted through breast milk even if the mother is on antiretroviral therapy. Maternal diabetes, anemia, and hypertension are not contraindications for breastfeeding as long as they are well managed. Breastfeeding is actually beneficial in managing diabetes and anemia. Hypertensive mothers can breastfeed unless there are complications that require specific medications that may be unsafe for the infant.