Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

What may indicate that a newborn requires unusually intense parental attention?

1. The newborn is developing normally

2. The newborn is more active than average

3. The family has recently moved

4. The newborn has health issues

The correct answer is: The newborn has health issues

The presence of health issues in a newborn is a strong indicator that the child may require unusually intense parental attention. Such health issues can range from congenital abnormalities to complications at birth or ongoing medical conditions that necessitate additional care, monitoring, and interventions. Parents may need to frequently attend medical appointments, administer regular medications, or respond to the infant's unique health challenges, all of which can create a heightened demand for their attention and resources. In contrast, normal development in a newborn indicates that the child is meeting expected growth milestones and health benchmarks, which typically does not warrant an increase in parental attention beyond standard caregiving. A newborn being more active than average might generally suggest they are healthy and engaged, which does not necessarily imply a need for intensified parental involvement. Additionally, while moving to a new home can be a stressful event for a family, it does not inherently require intensified attention to a newborn unless compounded by related stressors that affect the family's dynamics or ability to provide care. Therefore, specific health issues stand out as a primary factor influencing the level of parental attention needed.