HESI Practice Test Pediatrics Related

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The parents of a 3-year-old boy who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) ask, 'how can our son have this disease? We are wondering if we should have any more children.' What information should the nurse provide these parents?

  • A. This is an inherited X-linked recessive disorder, which primarily affects male children in the family.
  • B. The male infant had a viral infection that went unnoticed and untreated, leading to muscle damage.
  • C. The lack of the protein dystrophin in the mother can impact the muscle groups of males.
  • D. Damage to the spinal cord due to birth trauma from a breech vaginal birth weakens the muscles.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should inform the parents that Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked recessive disorder, which primarily affects male children in the family. This genetic condition is caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene located on the X chromosome. Females are usually carriers of the gene mutation and may pass it on to their sons. Daughters of carrier mothers have a 50% chance of being carriers themselves. Understanding the genetics of DMD can help the parents make informed decisions about family planning and genetic counseling.