Mama Lena is worriedly _________ over Ruth.Hint: to stay close or near a person*sinkingsettlinghoveringstruggling

To fill in the blank in the sentence "Mama Lena is worriedly _________ over Ruth," the most appropriate word from the options provided is "hovering."

The completed sentence would read: "Mama Lena is worriedly hovering over Ruth."

Explanation: The word "hovering" implies staying close to someone, often out of concern or anxiety, which fits the context of a worried mother. The other options don't convey the same level of proximity and concern:

• "sinking" and "settling" do not fit the context of a worried demeanor, and
• "struggling" implies hardship rather than caring attention.

Thus, "hovering" is the best fit.