Ethical Issues in Maternal Newborn Nursing Related

Review Ethical Issues in Maternal Newborn Nursing related questions and content

A father and mother are carriers of phenylketonuria (PKU). Their 2-year-old daughter has the condition. The couple tells the nurse that they are having a second baby. Because their daughter has PKU, they are certain that this baby will not be affecteWhich response by the nurse is the most accurate?

  • A. Good planning. You need to take advantage of the odds that are in your favor.
  • B. I think you'd better first check with your physician.
  • C. You are both carriers; therefore, each baby has a 25% chance of being affected.
  • D. The ultrasound indicates a boy, and boys are not affected by PKU.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Each child conceived by this couple has a one-in-four chance of being affected with the PKU disorder. This couple still has an increased likelihood of having a child with PKU; having one child already with PKU does not guarantee that they will not have another. These parents need to discuss their options with their physician. However, an opportune time has presented itself for the couple to receive correct teaching about inherited genetic risks. No correlation exists between gender and inheritance of the disorder, because PKU is an autosomal recessive disorder.