Prenatal and Infant Development: A Comprehensive Guide for Nursing Students

Question 1

Which of the following is a key milestone in prenatal development, occurring during the fourth week of gestation?

Accepted Answer

Formation of the neural tube

Answer

Development of the circulatory system

Answer

Growth of the fetus to 12 inches

Answer

Appearance of hair and nails

Question 2

The rapid phase of brain growth and development that starts in infancy and continues through childhood is known as:

Accepted Answer

Synaptogenesis

Answer

Neural plasticity

Answer

Myelination

Answer

Neurogenesis

Question 3

Which of the following primary caregiver behaviors is crucial for fostering secure attachment in infants?

Accepted Answer

Being consistently responsive and sensitive to the infant's needs

Answer

Punishing the infant for expressing distress

Answer

Ignoring the infant's cries

Answer

Using food as a reward for desired behaviors

Question 4

Which of the following factors poses a significant risk to prenatal development and can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Maternal alcohol consumption

Answer

Maternal smoking

Answer

Maternal caffeine intake

Answer

Maternal stress

Question 5

Approximately how old is a fetus at the end of the first trimester?

Accepted Answer

12 weeks

Answer

8 weeks

Answer

16 weeks

Answer

20 weeks

Question 6

What is the term for the automatic reflex that allows newborns to grasp objects placed in their hands?

Accepted Answer

Palmar grasp reflex

Answer

Moro reflex

Answer

Babinski reflex

Answer

Startle reflex

Question 7

Around what age do infants typically begin to develop the ability to roll over?

Accepted Answer

4-5 months

Answer

2-3 months

Answer

6-7 months

Answer

8-9 months

Question 8

Which of the following is a common cognitive skill that infants develop during the first year of life?

Accepted Answer

Object permanence (understanding that objects continue to exist even when not visible)

Answer

Means-end reasoning (ability to plan and solve problems)

Answer

Symbolic play (using objects to represent other things)

Answer

Theory of mind (ability to understand others' thoughts and intentions)

Question 9

What is the term for the deep emotional bond that forms between an infant and their primary caregiver?

Accepted Answer

Attachment

Answer

Empathy

Answer

Temperament

Answer

Self-regulation

Question 10

What is the name of the developmental stage proposed by Erikson that encompasses the first year of life?

Accepted Answer

Trust versus mistrust

Answer

Autonomy versus shame and doubt

Answer

Initiative versus guilt

Answer

Industry versus inferiority

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a stage of prenatal development?

Accepted Answer

Postnatal

Answer

Germinal

Answer

Embryonic

Answer

Fetal

Question 12

Which theory of cognitive development emphasizes the role of collaborative learning and social interaction?

Accepted Answer

Vygotsky's Theory

Answer

Piaget's Theory

Answer

Erikson's Theory

Answer

Maslow's Theory

Question 13

Which factor has the greatest influence on an infant's language development?

Accepted Answer

Environment

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Age

Answer

Personality

Question 14

According to Erikson's theory, the primary psychosocial task of infancy is to develop a sense of:

Accepted Answer

Trust

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Initiative

Answer

Competence

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a recognized stage of prenatal development?

Accepted Answer

Infancy

Answer

Germinal

Answer

Embryonic

Answer

Fetal

Question 16

What structure in the developing fetus receives nutrients and oxygen from the mother's bloodstream through the umbilical cord?

Accepted Answer

Placenta

Answer

Chorion

Answer

Amnion

Answer

Yolk sac

Question 17

Which of the following reflexes is a primitive reflex present in neonates that helps them locate food?

Accepted Answer

Rooting reflex

Answer

Grasp reflex

Answer

Moro reflex

Answer

Babinski reflex

Question 18

According to attachment theory, which attachment style indicates a child's ability to rely on a caregiver for support and comfort?

Accepted Answer

Secure

Answer

Insecure-avoidant

Answer

Insecure-ambivalent

Answer

Disorganized

Question 19

The period during which the developing organism is highly vulnerable to external influences is known as:

Accepted Answer

Embryonic period

Answer

Fetal period

Answer

Neonatal period

Answer

Infancy

Question 20

Which of the following reflexes is absent at birth?

Accepted Answer

Walking reflex

Answer

Grasp reflex

Answer

Rooting reflex

Answer

Moro reflex

Question 21

A secure attachment between an infant and caregiver is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Consistent and responsive caregiving

Answer

Avoidant behavior

Answer

Ambivalent behavior

Answer

Disorganized behavior

Question 22

The zone of proximal development refers to:

Accepted Answer

The range of tasks a child can complete with assistance

Answer

The range of tasks a child can accomplish independently

Answer

The range of tasks a child cannot yet complete

Answer

The range of tasks a child has already mastered

Question 23

The process by which an infant synchronizes their sleep and wake cycles with their caregivers is called:

Accepted Answer

Circadian entrainment

Answer

Biological entrainment

Answer

Sleep-wake regulation

Answer

Parental adjustment

Question 24

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Unexpected infant death during sleep

Answer

Respiratory failure

Answer

Heart failure

Answer

Seizures

Question 25

The process by which the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining is called:

Accepted Answer

Implantation

Answer

Fertilization

Answer

Embryogenesis

Answer

Gestation

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a potential factor influencing prenatal development?

Accepted Answer

Infant age

Answer

Maternal nutrition

Answer

Exposure to toxins

Answer

Maternal stress

Question 27

A characteristic of secure attachment in infants is:

Accepted Answer

Exploration with the caregiver present

Answer

Frequent crying and distress

Answer

Avoidance of the caregiver

Answer

Resistance to comforting

Question 28

How does attachment contribute to infant development?

Accepted Answer

It supports emotional regulation and self-concept formation.

Answer

It is mainly influenced by feeding schedules.

Answer

Early attachment experiences have no long-term effects on relationships.

Answer

Attachment is only formed with the primary caregiver.

Question 29

Define critical periods and explain their crucial role in shaping cognitive development during infancy.

Accepted Answer

Critical periods are specific time frames when the brain is highly receptive to certain environmental experiences, which are essential for optimal cognitive development.

Answer

Critical periods encompass intervals of accelerated physical growth and profound cognitive changes, regardless of environmental influences.

Answer

Critical periods are fixed stages during which infants develop specific cognitive abilities, irrespective of external factors or experiences.

Answer

Critical periods represent intervals when the brain is highly vulnerable to damage caused by environmental factors or toxins.

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT a recognized stage of prenatal development?

Accepted Answer

Adolescence

Answer

Germinal

Answer

Embryonic

Answer

Fetal

Question 31

The remarkable growth spurt in the brain during infancy is primarily driven by the development of:

Accepted Answer

Synapses

Answer

Gray matter

Answer

Axons

Answer

Myelin

Question 32

According to Piaget's theory, infants in the sensorimotor stage of cognitive development primarily learn through:

Accepted Answer

Exploration and interaction with their environment

Answer

Abstract reasoning

Answer

Symbolic representation

Answer

Verbal communication

Question 33

Research findings suggest that which of the following factors has a detrimental impact on the security of infant attachment?

Accepted Answer

Maternal postpartum depression

Answer

Mother's educational level

Answer

Father's active involvement

Answer

Infant's temperament

Question 34

The primary protective function of the Moro reflex in infants is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent falls and injuries

Answer

Facilitate digestion

Answer

Regulate body temperature

Question 35

In terms of infant attachment, a secure attachment is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Seeking comfort and support from the caregiver when distressed

Answer

Crying excessively and inconsolably when the caregiver leaves

Answer

Freezing in place when the caregiver approaches

Answer

Avoiding eye contact with the caregiver

Question 36

The biological process of transitioning from the protective environment of the womb to the outside world after birth is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Parturition

Answer

Conception

Answer

Gestation

Answer

Implantation

Question 37

Which of the following nutrients is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in developing infants?

Accepted Answer

Folic acid

Answer

Vitamin A

Answer

Vitamin B12

Answer

Vitamin C

Question 38

The period of rapid growth and developmental changes that encompasses the first two years of life is known as:

Accepted Answer

Infancy

Answer

Toddlerhood

Answer

Early childhood

Answer

Preschool period

Question 39

A potential modifiable risk factor associated with premature birth is:

Accepted Answer

Maternal smoking during pregnancy

Answer

Regular prenatal checkups

Answer

Paternal age over 40