Nursing Elites

1. The term teratogen refers to __________.

• A. any environmental agent that causes damage during the prenatal period
• B. a limited time span during which a part of the body is biologically prepared to develop rapidly
• C. a rapid period of prenatal neurological development
• D. a synthetic hormone used to prevent miscarriage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'any environmental agent that causes damage during the prenatal period.' A teratogen is any substance or factor that can cause harm to the developing fetus during pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect because it describes a critical period, not a teratogen. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to a specific period of development, not a teratogen. Choice D is incorrect because it describes a synthetic hormone, not a teratogen.

2. What is a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research?

• A. Age-related changes cannot be examined.
• B. Participants often drop out before the study is over.
• C. Factors affecting individual development cannot be explored.
• D. Practice effects often cause biased findings.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: One major disadvantage of cross-sectional research is that factors affecting individual development cannot be explored thoroughly. Cross-sectional research involves comparing different groups of people at one specific point in time, and does not allow for tracking individual changes over time. This limitation means that the unique influences and trajectories of individual development may be overlooked in cross-sectional studies. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research as age-related changes can still be compared across different groups in this type of study. Choice B, while a potential issue in any study, is not specific to cross-sectional research. Choice D refers to a different type of bias caused by repeated testing rather than a major disadvantage of cross-sectional research.

3. Which statement about the harm done by teratogens is true?

• A. Passive smoking can be harmful to the developing fetus.
• B. The genetic makeup of the mother and the developing organism plays an important role.
• C. The negative impact of teratogens is usually reversible.
• D. The most serious defects occur in the germinal period.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The statement that the genetic makeup of the mother and the developing organism plays an important role in the harm done by teratogens is true. Genetic factors can influence susceptibility to teratogens, and the interaction between genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role in determining the impact on the developing fetus. This highlights the importance of considering both genetic and environmental influences when assessing risks to prenatal development. Choice A is incorrect as passive smoking can indeed be harmful to the developing fetus. Choice C is incorrect as the negative impact of teratogens is often not reversible. Choice D is incorrect as serious defects can occur throughout prenatal development, not just in the germinal period.

4. Piaget's critics point out that __________.

• A. he overestimated the competencies of infants and young children
• B. his stagewise account pays insufficient attention to social and cultural influences
• C. discovery learning rather than adult teaching is the best way to foster development
• D. children's performances on Piagetian tasks cannot be improved with training

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Piaget's critics point out that his stagewise account pays insufficient attention to social and cultural influences. Critics argue that Piaget's theory does not fully consider the impact of social interactions, cultural differences, and individual experiences on children's cognitive development. They believe that these factors play a crucial role in shaping a child's thinking and problem-solving abilities, which should be given more emphasis. Choice A is incorrect because Piaget's critics do not focus on him overestimating the competencies of infants and young children. Choice C is incorrect as it discusses a different aspect of learning rather than the critique of Piaget's theory. Choice D is also incorrect since critics do not argue that children's performances on Piagetian tasks cannot be improved with training.

5. In the __________ period, teratogens rarely have any impact.

• A. germinal
• B. embryonic
• C. fetal
• D. prenatal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the germinal period of prenatal development, which lasts for about the first two weeks after fertilization, the developing organism is a zygote that has not yet implanted in the uterus. During this period, teratogens rarely have any impact because essential implantation and early cellular division processes are occurring. Teratogens are more likely to have significant effects during the later embryonic and fetal periods of development. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B, embryonic period, is incorrect because teratogens have a higher likelihood of impacting development during this period. Choice C, fetal period, is also incorrect as teratogens can impact development during this stage as well. Choice D, prenatal, is a broad term encompassing the entire period of development from conception to birth and is not a specific developmental stage where teratogens have a minimal impact.

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