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. When Baby Ian is held horizontally on his back, he sometimes makes an “embracing” motion by arching his back, extending his legs, throwing his arms outward, and then bringing his arms in toward his body. Ian is demonstrating the __________.

A. palmar grasp
B. Moro reflex
C. tonic neck reflex
D. Babinski reflex

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Baby Ian is demonstrating the Moro reflex. The Moro reflex is a normal newborn reflex that occurs when a baby feels like they are falling or losing support. It is characterized by arching the back, extending the legs, throwing the arms outward, and then bringing the arms in toward the body. This reflex is a primitive survival instinct that typically disappears around 6 months of age. Choice A, palmar grasp, involves the baby's fingers closing around an object when it touches their palm. Choice C, tonic neck reflex, involves the baby assuming a fencing position when their head is turned to one side. Choice D, Babinski reflex, is characterized by the fanning out and curling of the baby's toes when the sole of the foot is stroked.

3. Which statement about prenatal marijuana exposure is true?

A. It is linked to impulsivity and overactivity.
B. Lasting consequences are well-established.
C. Studies show no negative effects of exposure.
D. It is linked to an array of physical malformations.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It is linked to impulsivity and overactivity.' Prenatal marijuana exposure has been associated with impulsivity and overactivity in children based on research findings. However, lasting consequences of prenatal marijuana exposure are not as well-established compared to other teratogens. Choice B is incorrect because lasting consequences are not firmly established. Choice C is incorrect because studies have shown negative effects of prenatal marijuana exposure. Choice D is incorrect as prenatal marijuana exposure is not primarily linked to physical malformations.

4. According to Jean Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory, __________?

A. children actively construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore their world
B. children's learning depends on reinforcers, such as rewards from adults
C. adult teaching is the best way to foster development
D. rapid development occurs during sensitive periods

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to Jean Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory, children actively construct knowledge as they manipulate and explore their world. Piaget emphasized that children learn through their own actions and interactions with the environment, leading to cognitive development. Choice B is incorrect because Piaget's theory focuses on children's active engagement in learning rather than passive reinforcement. Choice C is incorrect because Piaget's theory highlights the child's role in constructing knowledge, not solely relying on adult teaching. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to sensitive periods, a concept more associated with other developmental theories like Erikson's psychosocial theory, not Piaget's cognitive-developmental theory.

5. In a cross-sectional design, researchers study __________.

A. the same group of participants repeatedly at different ages
B. groups of participants differing in age at the same point in time
C. groups of participants of the same age in different years
D. participants of the same age at the same point in time

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a cross-sectional design, researchers study groups of participants differing in age at the same point in time. This design allows researchers to compare different age groups simultaneously, providing valuable insight into age-related differences without the need to track the same group over time. Choice A is incorrect because it describes a longitudinal design where the same group is followed over time. Choice C is incorrect as it involves different groups of the same age studied at different times. Choice D is incorrect as it does not capture the essence of a cross-sectional design, which involves studying groups of different ages at the same point in time.