A 58-year-old father and a 45-year-old mother gave birth to a baby boy 2 days ago.The nurse assesses a single palmar crease and low-set ears on the newborn.The nurse plans to counsel the couple about which of the following chromosomal abnormality?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A single palmar crease and low-set ears are common physical characteristics of babies with Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome. Parents who are older than 35 years old are at a higher risk of having a baby with chromosomal abnormalities like Trisomy 21. Choice A, Trisomy 13, would present with more severe abnormalities such as cleft lip/palate and brain malformations. Choice B, Trisomy 18, would present with even more severe abnormalities such as heart defects and skeletal malformations. Choice D, Trisomy 26, is not a known chromosomal abnormality.

A 58-Year-Old Father and a 45-Year-Old Mother Gave Birth to a Baby