Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of cephalocaudal development during prenatal growth?

Accepted Answer

Development proceeds from the head downward toward the feet.

Question 2

During which period of prenatal development is the embryo most vulnerable to teratogens, and why?

Accepted Answer

Embryonic period, because major organs and body structures are forming.

Question 3

A pregnant person is exposed to a teratogen at week 6 of gestation. Which of the following outcomes is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Major structural abnormalities in organ systems.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about neural tube defects (NTDs) is accurate?

Accepted Answer

NTDs can be largely prevented by adequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy.

Question 5

A newborn is assessed with the APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. What does this assessment primarily evaluate?

Accepted Answer

Immediate physiological stability and need for medical intervention.

Question 6

Which of the following is a key reason why advanced maternal age (35+) is associated with increased pregnancy risks?

Accepted Answer

Egg quality declines and cumulative environmental exposures increase risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Question 7

Which of the following best defines a teratogen?

Accepted Answer

An environmental agent that can cause prenatal harm.

Question 8

A pregnant person is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. What is a potential risk to the fetus if this condition is not managed?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of macrosomia (large body size) and preterm birth.

Question 9

Which of the following is a primary function of prenatal genetic screening (such as amniocentesis or cfDNA testing)?

Accepted Answer

To detect risk of chromosomal anomalies and inform clinical care.

Question 10

Which of the following newborn reflexes is thought to have an evolutionary advantage for survival?

Accepted Answer

The grasp reflex, which may have helped infants cling to caregivers.

Question 11

A pregnant person is exposed to rubella during the first trimester. Which of the following is a likely outcome for the fetus?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of congenital rubella syndrome, including hearing loss and heart defects.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why prenatal care visits are important for healthy pregnancy outcomes?

Accepted Answer

They allow for early detection and management of risks such as gestational diabetes and hypertension.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the timing of fetal viability?

Accepted Answer

Viability is typically possible around 24 weeks gestation with intensive medical care.

Question 14

Which of the following is a potential outcome of prenatal exposure to alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), including intellectual disability and characteristic facial features.

Question 15

A newborn is found to have a metabolic disorder through routine genetic screening. What is the developmental significance of this early detection?

Accepted Answer

Early intervention can prevent irreversible developmental delays and improve long-term outcomes.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the proximodistal pattern of prenatal development?

Accepted Answer

Development proceeds from the center of the body outward toward the extremities.

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible effect of maternal stress and anxiety during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Altered fetal neurodevelopment and increased risk of later emotional/behavioral problems.

Question 18

Which of the following is a key difference between the neural groove and the neural tube during early brain development?

Accepted Answer

The neural groove is a temporary folding stage, while the neural tube is the completed structure that forms the brain and spinal cord.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate newborn reflexes, motor control, and responsiveness to the environment.

Question 20

A pregnant person is exposed to multiple teratogens at low doses during the embryonic period. Which of the following best describes the likely risk?

Accepted Answer

The combined exposure may increase the risk of structural abnormalities, even if each dose is low.

Prenatal Development and Newborn Assessment: Foundations of Developmental Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions