which statement about the harm done by teratogens is true

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Exam Questions

1. 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.

2. T. Berry Brazelton's Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) evaluates a newborn's __________.

A. risk for developmental problems
B. ability to comply with parental commands and responsiveness to touch
C. reflexes, muscle tone, state changes, and responsiveness to stimulation
D. heart rate, respiratory effort, reflex irritability, muscle tone, and color

Correct answer: C

Rationale: T. Berry Brazelton's Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) evaluates a newborn's reflexes, muscle tone, state changes, and responsiveness to stimulation. This assessment helps healthcare providers understand the newborn's behavioral responses and capabilities in various areas, providing valuable insights into their overall development and well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the NBAS focuses on assessing the newborn's behavioral responses and capabilities, rather than their risk for developmental problems, compliance with commands, or physiological parameters like heart rate and respiratory effort.

3. What is one limitation of the ethnographic method?

A. Investigators' cultural values sometimes lead them to misinterpret what they see.
B. It provides little information on how children and adults actually behave.
C. It relies on unobtrusive techniques, such as surveillance cameras and one-way mirrors.
D. It provides little information about the reasoning behind participants' responses.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The limitation of the ethnographic method is that investigators' cultural values sometimes lead them to misinterpret what they see. This can introduce bias into the observations and potentially impact the accuracy of the findings. It is important for researchers to be aware of their own biases and strive to minimize their influence when conducting ethnographic studies. Choice B is incorrect because ethnographic methods actually aim to provide rich information on how individuals behave within their cultural contexts. Choice C is incorrect as ethnographic methods typically involve direct observation and participation rather than unobtrusive techniques like surveillance cameras. Choice D is incorrect because one of the strengths of ethnographic research is its ability to uncover the reasoning behind participants' responses by immersing the researcher in the cultural setting.

4. Dr. Kostel believes that development takes place in stages. This belief is consistent with the __________ perspective.

A. nurture
B. continuous
C. discontinuous
D. nature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dr. Kostel's belief in stage-based development aligns with the discontinuous perspective, which sees development as a series of distinct stages. The continuous perspective (choice B) suggests development as a smooth and gradual process without distinct stages. The nature perspective (choice D) focuses on genetic and hereditary influences on development. The nurture perspective (choice A) emphasizes the impact of environment and upbringing on development, which is not directly related to the belief in stage-based development.

5. 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 __________.

A. facial abnormalities and heart defects
B. defects of the genitals and urinary tract
C. low birth weight and brain damage
D. a variety of childhood cancers

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.