Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Infants delivered by cesarean section often have which of the following difficulties?

1. higher metabolic rates.

2. difficulty breathing.

3. delivered premature.

4. increased blood flow to vital organs.

The correct answer is: difficulty breathing.

Infants delivered by cesarean section often experience difficulty breathing, primarily due to the absence of the natural compression that occurs during vaginal delivery. In a normal vaginal birth, the infant is squeezed through the birth canal, which helps to expel amniotic fluid from the lungs and facilitates the development of adequate lung function in a timely manner. This process stimulates the release of surfactant, a substance that reduces surface tension in the lungs and helps keep the airways open. In cases of cesarean delivery, especially if it is performed before labor begins, this important mechanical process is bypassed. As a result, cesarean-born infants are at a higher risk of developing respiratory issues, such as transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), which is characterized by rapid breathing in the first hours after birth. This can lead to a temporary need for additional respiratory support until the infant acclimates and clears fluid from the lungs. Other options, while they might seem plausible in different contexts, do not specifically relate to the unique aspects of cesarean section deliveries and their direct impact on infant respiratory function. Understanding the nuances of how birth methods affect neonatal outcomes is essential in the field of psychology, especially concerning developmental and health psychology.