Multiple Choice Questions on Infertility Related

Review Multiple Choice Questions on Infertility related questions and content

A 44-year-old woman presents with an unexpected pregnancy. She asks the nurse, 'Is my baby going to have a birth defect? My third cousin has Down syndrome.' What is the nurse's best response?

  • A. Tell the patient she is at risk for gene mutation because a birth defect in a distant relative places the woman at increased risk.
  • B. Discuss the potential risk for intrauterine growth retardation due to the mother's advanced age.
  • C. Discuss the patient's situation with the physician to ask for a referral to high-risk obstetrics.
  • D. Discuss the potential risk for a chromosomal abnormality based on the patient's advanced age.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: The correct answer is D because advanced maternal age (AMA), generally defined as 35 years or older, is a well-known risk factor for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.
Step 2: Down syndrome is more common in babies born to mothers over the age of 35 due to the increased likelihood of errors in cell division during egg development.
Step 3: Given the patient's age of 44, she falls into the category of AMA and is at an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities in her baby.
Step 4: Option A is incorrect as the risk is not solely based on gene mutation but rather on the increased chance of chromosomal abnormalities due to age.
Step 5: Option B is incorrect as it focuses on intrauterine growth retardation, which is not directly related to the patient's query about birth defects.
Step 6: Option C is incorrect as a referral to high-risk obstetrics may not be necessary solely based on the patient's