the effects of stress on the developing organism can be greatly reduced if the expectant mother

ATI RN

Human Growth and Development Final Exam

1. The effects of stress on the developing organism can be greatly reduced if the expectant mother __________.

A. has access to social support during stressful periods
B. takes a low dose of anti-anxiety medication
C. takes a folic acid supplement early in pregnancy
D. is placed on bed rest during the last trimester

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Having access to social support during stressful periods can greatly reduce the effects of stress on the developing organism. Social support can provide emotional comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging, which can help the expectant mother cope with stress more effectively. This support system can also help mitigate the negative impact of stress on the developing baby during pregnancy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while folic acid is important for prenatal health, it does not directly address the effects of stress. Taking anti-anxiety medication should be done under medical supervision and as a last resort due to potential risks to the developing baby. Bed rest during the last trimester is not a solution to reduce the effects of stress and may not address the underlying causes of stress.

2. Developmental science is __________ because it has grown through the combined efforts of people from many fields of study.

A. interdisciplinary
B. empirical
C. applied
D. theoretical

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct answer: Developmental science is interdisciplinary because it integrates knowledge from multiple fields like psychology, biology, and sociology. The term 'empirical' refers to information gained from observation or experimentation, which is not the focus of this question. 'Applied' and 'theoretical' do not capture the essence of developmental science requiring inputs from various disciplines.

3. Which statement about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is true?

A. About 30 percent of all new HIV infections affect women.
B. In South Africa, 30 percent of all pregnant women are HIV-positive.
C. About 30 percent of new HIV infections occur in developing countries.
D. Untreated HIV-infected mothers pass the virus to the fetus 30 percent of the time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'In South Africa, 30 percent of all pregnant women are HIV-positive.' This statement is true as South Africa has a high prevalence of HIV among pregnant women, emphasizing the need for interventions to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is inaccurate as women account for more than 50% of new HIV infections globally. Choice C is misleading as the majority of new HIV infections actually occur in sub-Saharan Africa, not just developing countries. Choice D is also incorrect as without treatment, the risk of mother-to-child transmission is higher than 30%.

4. A 20-week-old fetus can __________.

A. be stimulated as well as irritated by sounds
B. survive, if born early
C. breathe without oxygen assistance, if born early
D. control its own body temperature Answer: A Page Ref: 80 Skill Level: Understand Topic: Prenatal Development Difficulty Level: Moderate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A 20-week-old fetus is able to be stimulated as well as irritated by sounds because by this stage of prenatal development, the fetus's auditory system is already well-developed. It can respond to external sounds and may even startle or move in reaction to loud noises.

5. Many theorists believe that behaviorism and social learning theory ________.

A. overemphasize the plasticity of cognitive development
B. overestimate people's contributions to their own development
C. offer too narrow a view of important environmental influences
D. overemphasize each individual's unique life history

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Many theorists believe that behaviorism and social learning theory offer too narrow a view of important environmental influences. This is because they focus mainly on observable behaviors and external factors, neglecting the role of internal cognitive processes and individual differences in shaping development. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because behaviorism and social learning theory do not specifically emphasize the plasticity of cognitive development, overestimate people's contributions to their own development, or overemphasize each individual's unique life history. Instead, they are criticized for providing a limited perspective by focusing predominantly on external stimuli and behaviors.