Which statement about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is correct?

• A. The cause of death following SIDS can be established by autopsy.
• B. Certain cases of SIDS are predictable and therefore preventable.
• C. SIDS is most commonly the result of an overwhelming infection.
• D. Death as a result of SIDS can occur at any time of the day or night.

Answer: (D)

SIDS is a diagnosis used when an infant dies suddenly and nothing in the investigation (including autopsy) explains the death. Because SIDS occurs during sleep and can happen during any sleep period, it is possible for it to occur at any time of the day or night, including daytime naps. The other statements don’t fit: autopsy often fails to reveal a definitive cause, so the death isn’t something you can establish a cause for after the fact; SIDS is not considered predictable or fully preventable on an individual basis, though risk-reduction efforts can lower overall risk; and SIDS is not most commonly due to an infection.