Maternal use of cocaine during pregnancy can lead to which of the following abnormalities in the fetus and newborn?

Prepare for the NCC Low Risk Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you succeed and get ready for your exam!

Maternal use of cocaine during pregnancy has been associated with a range of negative outcomes for the fetus and newborn. Among these, poor organizational responses to environmental stimuli is recognized as a significant concern. Cocaine exposure can lead to alterations in neural development and functioning, which may manifest as difficulties in how the infant organizes and responds to sensory inputs and environmental cues.

This poor organizational response can result in challenges such as difficulties in habituation to stimuli, variability in behavioral states, and potential issues with attention and focus later in development. The implications of these responses are profound, affecting the infant's ability to interact with their surroundings and manage sensory information effectively.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive or enhanced outcomes that do not align with the documented effects of cocaine exposure. For instance, increased interactive behavior, enhanced sensory perception, and improved motor skills are generally associated with healthy developmental trajectories and are not characteristics typically noted in infants exposed to cocaine, as these substances tend to have detrimental impacts on overall neurodevelopmental outcomes.

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