Question 1

Nicole recently had her first child. Immediately following the birth, she felt somewhat depressed for about 10 days, after which, she felt like her old self again. Which of the following is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Nicole's experience aligns with the symptoms of the baby blues, which include mood swings, sadness, and anxiety that typically resolve within two weeks after giving birth. This is a common experience for new mothers and does not indicate the more severe condition of postpartum depression (PPD).

Question 2

Maggie and Ben's preterm baby has been diagnosed as having respiratory distress syndrome. Which of the following is TRUE regarding respiratory distress syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm babies is primarily due to the immaturity of the lungs, which includes insufficient production of surfactant. This deficiency makes it difficult for the air sacs to stay open, hence the baby's muscles may not be mature enough to sustain independent breathing.

Question 3

What does the research say regarding parental behavior towards preterm infants?

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that parents often respond less sensitively and interact less with preterm infants compared to full-term infants. This can be due to the stress and anxiety associated with the preterm birth and the often fragile health condition of the infants.

Question 4

How do postpartum blues and postpartum depression differ?

Accepted Answer

Postpartum depression is more severe and persistent than postpartum blues, which are relatively mild and usually resolve within two weeks without intervention.

Question 5

Given that so many women around the world experience symptoms of depression with perinatal onset, even when their life experiences and levels of social support are radically different, leads researchers to focus on the causes of such issues.

Accepted Answer

The passage suggests that despite varying life experiences and levels of social support, women globally experience symptoms of depression with perinatal onset, pointing towards physiological causes rather than psychological, emotional, or environmental factors.

Question 6

In the study by Als et al. (2003), which of the following was/were related to advances in the motor and cognitive development of preterm infants as well as better parental adjustment?

Accepted Answer

Individualized counseling to foster appreciation of the infant was related to advances in the motor and cognitive development of preterm infants as well as better parental adjustment, according to the study by Als et al. (2003). This approach likely helped parents understand and respond to their infant's unique needs, fostering a more supportive environment for the infant's development.

Question 7

Approximately four out of five women report having the baby blues. Researchers believe the baby blues are so common because of

Accepted Answer

The baby blues are primarily attributed to hormonal changes that occur after delivery. These changes can affect a woman's mood and emotions, leading to feelings commonly associated with the baby blues.

Question 8

Which of the following is responsible for a large percentage of U.S. neonatal deaths?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory distress syndrome is a significant cause of neonatal deaths in the U.S., particularly among premature infants. This condition results from underdeveloped lungs that can't provide enough oxygen to the body.

Question 9

How should preterm babies be handled?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging mothers to massage their preterm infants is beneficial as it helps mothers overcome fears of hurting their infants and reduces feelings of helplessness, promoting bonding and potentially aiding in the infant's development.

Question 10

What research supports the idea that physiological factors may be greater contributors to postpartum depression (PPD) than psychological factors?

Accepted Answer

Research indicating that women across various cultures and with differing levels of support systems experience postpartum depression (PPD) suggests that physiological factors, which are common to all women regardless of their external circumstances, may play a significant role in the development of PPD. This points to the universality of physiological changes after childbirth as a potential major contributor to PPD, rather than purely psychological or social factors.

Question 11

According to the American Psychiatric Association (2000), about % of new mothers report experiencing some level of postpartum blues.

Accepted Answer

According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 70% of new mothers report experiencing some level of postpartum blues, reflecting a very common condition following childbirth.

Question 12

Which of the following statements about postpartum adjustment is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Postpartum adjustment, including postpartum depression and other related conditions, is a phenomenon that occurs globally, affecting new mothers (and sometimes fathers) in many countries across the world, regardless of their economic status or cultural background. It is not confined to the United States or wealthy countries, nor is it more common in later births than in first births.

Question 13

Injecting pregnant women at risk for delivering preterm babies with increases the babies' chances for survival and lowers their risk of respiratory distress syndrome and severe lung disease.

Accepted Answer

Corticosteroids are administered to pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity, thereby increasing the chances of survival for the baby and reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome and severe lung disease.

Question 14

The likelihood of maternal and infant mortality in any given country is associated with

Accepted Answer

Empowering women through education and political involvement often leads to better health outcomes, including reduced maternal and infant mortality, as it improves women's access to healthcare and resources.

Question 15

Why is there a tendency for parents to treat full-term infants better than preterm infants?

Accepted Answer

Preterm infants tend to be perceived as less physically attractive and can be more irritable due to their early developmental stage, which may inadvertently influence parental behavior and attitudes towards them compared to full-term infants.

Question 16

Which of the following children is MOST likely to show the greatest cognitive deficits and developmental delays?

Accepted Answer

A child weighing less than 3.3 pounds (low birth weight) is most likely to show the greatest cognitive deficits and developmental delays. Low birth weight is a significant indicator of potential developmental issues, as it often reflects premature birth or other prenatal complications that can affect brain development.

Question 17

What has research shown about the effects of exposing preterm babies to stimulation such as massage and/or kangaroo care?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that preterm babies exposed to stimulation such as massage and/or kangaroo care tend to show significant weight gains and experience fewer respiratory problems, indicating positive effects on their physical health and development.

Question 18

What of the following is not goodparenting advice for parents with preterm infants?

Accepted Answer

Picking up and holding preterm infants is actually encouraged as part of kangaroo care, which promotes bonding, warmth, and development. Advising against picking them up more than necessary contradicts current understanding of preterm infant care.

Question 19

Preterm babies

Accepted Answer

Preterm babies can indeed invoke feelings of failure, guilt, and low self-esteem in their mothers due to the unexpected early birth and potential health complications associated with prematurity. This emotional response can stem from concerns about the baby's health and development, as well as from societal and personal expectations about childbirth and motherhood.

Question 20

What is respiratory distress syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is primarily a condition that affects premature infants. It occurs because their lungs are not fully developed and lack enough surfactant, a substance that prevents the lungs from collapsing.

Quiz 10: Early Childhood: Social and Emotional Development