Which statement about newborn exposure to benzodiazepines is true?

• A. They may cause sedation and respiratory issues in newborns.
• B. They have no adverse effects.
• C. They improve neonatal respiration.
• D. They cause cancer in newborns.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that benzodiazepines act as central nervous system depressants. When a fetus is exposed to these drugs or a newborn is exposed after birth, the infant’s respiratory drive and muscle tone can be reduced. This can result in sedation, hypotonia, and respiratory difficulties, sometimes described as floppy infant syndrome in more prolonged exposures. So the statement that newborn exposure to benzodiazepines may cause sedation and respiratory issues is true. The other options don’t fit because benzodiazepine exposure is not risk-free, does not improve breathing, and is not known to cause cancer in newborns.