Health Promotion and MaintenanceQuestion 1004 of 2368
During which period of gestation is teratogen exposure most likely to cause major structural birth defects?
- Weeks 20 to 24, when the fetus is growing
- Weeks 28 to 32, when the lungs mature
- Weeks 36 to 40, when labor approaches
- Weeks 3 to 8, when organs are forming
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Correct answer: Weeks 3 to 8, when organs are forming
Organogenesis occurs between weeks 3 and 8 and is the most harmful time for exposure. Later exposure mostly affects growth.
Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Antepartum Care: Teratogens in Pregnancy. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Health Promotion and Maintenance"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026