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"A teenage mother gives birth to a hyperirritable baby. What might have most probably caused this problem?

A. Aspirin use
B. Rubella
C. AIDS
D. Marijuana"

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The hyperirritability in the newborn is most likely due to the mother's use of marijuana during pregnancy, as it is associated with neonatal withdrawal symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The case described suggests that the hyperirritability of the baby born to a teenage mother could be attributed to teratogen exposure during pregnancy. Teratogens are substances that can cause developmental problems in a fetus. Drug abuse during pregnancy, particularly the use of substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and various prescription medications, is known to be a significant risk factor for having a hyperirritable newborn. This is due to the addictive properties of these substances and the withdrawal symptoms the baby may experience after birth.

While the substances listed in the question can have detrimental effects on the fetus, marijuana has been more commonly associated with symptoms of withdrawal in newborns, such as hyperirritability, compared to aspirin, rubella, and AIDS. Although aspirin can be harmful and rubella can lead to severe congenital defects, marijuana use during pregnancy is more directly linked to the symptoms described in the question.

Therefore, of the options provided, marijuana use is the most likely cause of the hyperirritability seen in the newborn baby.

The hyperirritability in the newborn baby is most likely caused by the mother's marijuana use during pregnancy. Marijuana is known to cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns, which can manifest as hyperirritability.

User Kazimierz Jawor
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