A female carries one positive genetic marker for Huntington’s disease. Her partner does not have any markers for the disease. For which reason is it so important for this family to identify persons with the genetic marker?
- A. The Huntington gene is recessive
- B. All of the couple’s offspring will have the disease
- C. Symptoms do not manifest until 30 to 50 years of age
- D. The expression of the disease is varied by individual
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Symptoms of Huntington's disease manifest later in life, making genetic identification crucial. The other choices either incorrectly describe the genetics of the disease or do not address the significance of identifying carriers.
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The nurse is discussing genetically linked diseases with a couple planning a pregnancy. The female states, 'I am concerned because there is a history of sickle-cell disease in my family.' Which information from the nurse is correct?
- A. Any offspring will have the disease.
- B. Only male children will have the disease.
- C. The male partner needs genetic testing.
- D. The couple should not become pregnant.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The male partner should undergo genetic testing to determine if he is a carrier of the sickle-cell gene. This information guides the couple's reproductive decisions.
The nurse is reviewing the hormonal blood work from a patient who is tracking their cycle to try to conceive this month. The patient’s estradiol and progesterone levels are low. What statement would the nurse include in the patient teaching?
- A. “You have already ovulated this month. Let us know if you are not pregnant, and we will try again next month.”
- B. “You should have intercourse tonight and tomorrow. This is the best time to try to conceive.”
- C. “You are at the very beginning of your cycle and will be getting your period very soon.”
- D. “We can’t tell where you are in your cycle from this blood work. You may need to repeat it next week.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low estradiol and progesterone levels suggest the patient is in the early follicular phase, just before menstruation.
The nurse caring for a pregnant patient knows that her health teaching regarding fetal circulation has been effective when the patient reports that she has been sleeping:
- A. In a side-lying position.
- B. On her back with a pillow under her knees.
- C. With the head of the bed elevated.
- D. On her abdomen.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Optimal circulation is achieved when the woman is lying at rest on her side.
What keeps the endometrium from shedding if conception occurs?
- A. The anterior pituitary temporarily stops producing luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
- B. Human chorionic gonadotropin maintains the corpus luteum, keeping estrogen and progesterone levels high.
- C. None
- D. None
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: hCG maintains the corpus luteum which prevents endometrial shedding.
What patient statement indicates the need for further education about amniocentesis?
- A. “It can be used to test for neural tube defects.”
- B. “It is performed between 15 and 20 weeks’ gestation.”
- C. “It is performed using a sterile needle to withdraw a sample of amniotic fluid.”
- D. “The sample can be obtained using a transcervical approach.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Amniocentesis is performed transabdominally, not transcervically, to obtain amniotic fluid.