Question 1

Suppose that you observe a sleeping newborn who is breathing irregularly and grimacing.The infant's eyes flutter open and move beneath the eyelids.Based on this information, is this infant's behaviour typical?

Accepted Answer

The described behaviors are typical of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is a normal part of the sleep cycle in newborns. During REM sleep, infants often exhibit irregular breathing, facial movements, and eye movements beneath closed eyelids.

Question 2

Several programs have been developed to optimize the development of low-birth-weight infants by providing opportunities for the parents learn how to provide sensitive and responsive care at home.What has been the outcome of these programs?

Accepted Answer

These programs have generally shown positive results in improving the development of low-birth-weight infants by teaching parents to provide sensitive and responsive care, leading to better outcomes for these infants.

Question 3

Luisa has just been born.When the doctor checks her physical condition after severing the umbilical cord, she receives a score of 3 on the Apgar test.Five minutes later, Luisa receives the same score.Based on this information, what is Luisa's doctor likely to do?

Accepted Answer

A score of 3 on the Apgar test both immediately after birth and five minutes later indicates a critical condition that requires immediate medical intervention to address potential life-threatening issues.

Question 4

Which of the following is among the substantiated benefits of natural or prepared childbirth?

Accepted Answer

Increased social support for mothers is a recognized benefit of natural or prepared childbirth programs. These programs often include classes or groups that provide emotional and educational support, which can lead to a more positive childbirth experience.

Question 5

Of the following, which one is a permanent, life-long reflex?

Accepted Answer

Swallowing is a permanent, life-long reflex that remains functional from infancy through adulthood, essential for eating and drinking. Other options like the stepping, Moro, and Babinski reflexes are primitive reflexes that typically disappear as a child grows.

Question 6

What is the proposed function of crying?

Accepted Answer

Crying is a primary means through which infants communicate their needs and discomforts to their caregivers, signaling when they may be hungry, tired, in need of a diaper change, or simply desiring comfort and attention.

Question 7

Dan's son is a neonate.When Dan goes into his son's bedroom to pick him up from his crib, he discovers he is lying quietly with his eyes wide open.He is intently watching his mobile and seems to be fascinated by it.From this description, what state is Dan's son exhibiting?

Accepted Answer

Alert inactivity is characterized by a calm, attentive state with minimal motor activity, such as when a baby is quietly focusing on an object or scene, like watching a mobile.

Question 8

What is the most immediate threat to the survival of preterm infants?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory distress syndrome is the most immediate threat to the survival of preterm infants due to their underdeveloped lungs and lack of surfactant, making it difficult for them to breathe.

Question 9

Roland and Marjory are in the delivery room, and the doctor tells them their newborn daughter is fine.As their daughter is being cleaned, the placenta is expelled from the uterus.Marjory is in which stage of childbirth?

Accepted Answer

The third stage of childbirth involves the delivery of the placenta after the baby is born.

Question 10

Gyuri has just been born.The doctor tells her parents that she has very high levels of stress hormones in her system.What does this mean for Gyuri's health?

Accepted Answer

High levels of stress hormones in newborns can actually help stimulate lung development, increasing the chance of breathing normally. This is because stress hormones like cortisol play a crucial role in the maturation of the lungs and other vital systems in preparation for life outside the womb.

Question 11

Khush and Samanti are planning to adopt a high-risk, unresponsive infant.Their doctor suggests that they be trained in how to administer the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale.According to researchers, what will be the effect of this training?

Accepted Answer

Training in the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale can increase parents' confidence in their abilities to care for their infant by providing them with knowledge and skills to understand and respond to their infant's cues and behaviors.

Question 12

Imagine that your friend confides in you that she is feeling upset after the birth of her new baby.She complains that she has little energy to cope with the demands of the household and that her partner is becoming impatient with her behaviour.Even though she and her partner tried for some time to conceive, she wishes that she had never had this child.Based on what you have learned in the course, what would be your advice to your friend?

Accepted Answer

These feelings could indicate mild postpartum depression, which is common after childbirth. If persistent, seeing a physician is advisable for proper assessment and support.

Question 13

Johanna has six older sisters and four older brothers.Every time Johanna cries, one of her parents or siblings picks her up and holds her, walking her around, and talking to her.According to researchers, how will Johanna's behaviour change by being picked up so often?

Accepted Answer

Being picked up and interacted with frequently can help Johanna learn more about her environment through increased social interaction and exposure to language and stimuli.

Question 14

What is the most serious problem facing most preterm or small-for-date infants?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory distress syndrome is a common and serious problem in preterm infants due to their underdeveloped lungs, making it difficult for them to breathe without assistance.

Question 15

Margaret's newborn son Ryan is crying loudly in the delivery room and has turned bright red all over.When the nurse attempts to extend Ryan's leg, the infant pulls away from him.Based on this information, what is Ryan likely to score on the Apgar test?

Accepted Answer

The Apgar score assesses a newborn's health immediately after birth, focusing on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and skin color. Ryan's loud crying indicates good respiratory effort and reflex irritability, and his bright red color suggests healthy circulation. Pulling away shows active muscle tone. These signs likely point to a high Apgar score, within the 8 to 10 range, indicating a healthy newborn.

Question 16

What developmental outcome is indicated by an abrupt disappearance of the reflexes observed in seemingly healthy newborns across the first year of life?

Accepted Answer

The disappearance of newborn reflexes (such as the Moro reflex, rooting reflex, and grasp reflex) as the infant develops over the first year is a normal part of neurological development. These reflexes are replaced by voluntary movements as the infant's nervous system matures.

Question 17

Ingunn is a 1-year-old who still shows the Moro reflex, the palmar grasp reflex, and the stepping reflex in much the same way she did when she was a neonate.Based on these observations, what might a psychologist conclude about Ingunn's development?

Accepted Answer

These reflexes typically disappear within the first few months of life. Their persistence beyond the expected age range can indicate neurological problems or developmental delays.

Question 18

According to autostimulation theory, what will an infant do when he or she experiences a visually stimulating environment?

Accepted Answer

Autostimulation theory suggests that infants spend more time in REM sleep to compensate for a lack of external visual stimulation. In a visually stimulating environment, they would spend more time in non-REM sleep as they receive sufficient stimulation while awake.

Question 19

Belinda is a new mom who is convinced that her 1-month-old son is developmentally delayed.She shows you that when she strokes the bottom of his foot, his toes fan out and curl up.Belinda asks you if she should call her pediatrician to voice her concerns.Based upon what you have learned in this course, what would be your advice?

Accepted Answer

The fanning and curling of the toes in response to stroking the bottom of the foot is known as the Babinski reflex, which is a normal reflex in infants. This reflex typically disappears around 12 months of age.

Question 20

Which statement best summarizes the research findings concerning the effect of birthing method on infant outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Research findings often highlight that birthing centers offer a balance between the homelike atmosphere of home births and the medical technology available in hospitals, providing a safe alternative for childbirth without fully endorsing one method as superior for all cases.

Quiz 5: Birth and the Newborns Readiness for Life