Fetal Development Questions Related

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Why do infants born at 25 weeks' gestation have a poor survival rate?

  • A. Cardiac development is incomplete.
  • B. Fetal lung alveoli are not present in sufficient numbers.
  • C. Gastrointestinal development is incomplete.
  • D. Sucking reflex is not present.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because infants born at 25 weeks' gestation have a poor survival rate due to insufficient numbers of fetal lung alveoli. This leads to respiratory distress and difficulty in oxygen exchange, impacting their chances of survival. Choice A is incorrect as cardiac development is not the primary factor affecting survival. Choice C is incorrect as gastrointestinal development does not directly impact survival at this stage. Choice D is incorrect as the sucking reflex is not a critical factor in survival compared to respiratory function.