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Which of the following is considered a risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity?

A. maternal rubella infection
B. maternal alcohol abuse
C. perinatal oxygen therapy
D. family history of retinal detachment

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Final answer:

Perinatal oxygen therapy is the risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity among the given options. It is associated with abnormal blood vessel development in the retina due to premature birth and excess oxygen exposure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) among the options provided is C. perinatal oxygen therapy. ROP is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants who have low birth weight. It's characterized by abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of the eye due to premature birth. Excessive exposure to oxygen after birth can further stimulate the growth of abnormal blood vessels, contributing to the development of ROP. While maternal alcohol abuse, maternal rubella infection, and family history of retinal detachment might impact the health of a fetus or contribute to other conditions, they are not directly linked to ROP as perinatal oxygen therapy is.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), featuring a range of effects that can include cognitive deficits and distinctive facial features. Infection by rubella virus in pregnant women can result in congenital rubella syndrome, leading to severe birth defects or fetal death. However, these conditions are not direct risk factors for ROP.

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