Question 1

While talking with a pregnant woman who has undergone genetic testing, the woman informs the nurse that her baby will be born with Down syndrome. The nurse understands that Down syndrome is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome is caused by a trisomy numeric abnormality, specifically the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This results in a total of three copies of this chromosome instead of the usual two.

Question 2

A nurse is describing advances in genetics to a group of students. Which of the following would the nurse least likely include?

Accepted Answer

Genetic diagnosis is now available as early as the first trimester, not just the second trimester.

Question 3

After teaching a group of students about fetal development, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following as providing the barrier to other sperm after fertilization?

Accepted Answer

The zona pellucida is a glycoprotein layer surrounding the plasma membrane of mammalian oocytes. It plays a crucial role during fertilization as it undergoes changes to prevent additional sperm from penetrating the oocyte once fertilization has occurred, a phenomenon known as the "zona reaction." This ensures that only one sperm fertilizes the oocyte, preventing polyspermy.

Question 4

A nurse is teaching a class on X-linked recessive disorders. Which of the following statements would the nurse most likely include?

Accepted Answer

X-linked recessive disorders do not show male-to-male transmission because males pass their Y chromosome to their sons, not the X chromosome that carries the disorder.

Question 5

A pregnant woman undergoes maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) testing at 16 to 18 weeks' gestation. Which of the following would the nurse suspect if the woman's level is decreased?

Accepted Answer

Decreased levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) are associated with Down syndrome. High levels are typically indicative of open neural tube defects.

Question 6

The nurse is developing a presentation for a community group of young adults discussing fetal development and pregnancy. The nurse would identify that the sex of offspring is determined at the time of:

Accepted Answer

The sex of offspring is determined at the time of fertilization when the sperm, carrying either an X or Y chromosome, combines with the egg, which always carries an X chromosome. The combination of these chromosomes (XX for female, XY for male) determines the sex of the offspring.

Question 7

When describing amniotic fluid to a pregnant woman, the nurse would include which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Amniotic fluid primarily serves as a cushion for the developing fetus, protecting it from physical harm and allowing for movement. It does not act as a transport mechanism for oxygen and nutrients (that's the role of the placenta), it is not mostly protein, and the amount of fluid changes throughout the pregnancy, typically increasing until about 34 weeks of gestation.

Question 8

Assessment of a pregnant woman reveals oligohydramnios. The nurse would be alert for the development of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Oligohydramnios, a condition characterized by low amniotic fluid volume, can be a sign of placental insufficiency. This condition can compromise the fetus's supply of oxygen and nutrients, leading to potential growth restrictions or other complications.

Question 9

A couple comes to the clinic for preconception counseling and care. As part of the visit, the nurse teaches the couple about fertilization and initial development, stating that the zygote formed by the union of the ovum and sperm consists of how many chromosomes?

Accepted Answer

A zygote, formed by the union of an ovum and a sperm, contains 46 chromosomes, comprising 23 pairs. This includes 22 pairs of autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes, ensuring the full genetic complement of a human being.

Question 10

A woman just delivered a healthy term newborn. Upon assessing the umbilical cord, the nurse would identify which of the following as normal? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of A woman just delivered a healthy term...

Question 11

After teaching a pregnant woman about the hormones produced by the placenta, the nurse determines that the teaching was successful when the woman identifies which hormone produced as being the basis for pregnancy tests?

Accepted Answer

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is the hormone produced by the placenta that is the basis for pregnancy tests. It is released into the mother's bloodstream shortly after implantation of the embryo into the uterine lining, making it an early marker for pregnancy detection.

Question 12

After the nurse describes fetal circulation to a pregnant woman, the woman asks why her fetus has a different circulation pattern than hers. In planning a response, the nurse integrates understanding of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Fetal circulation is designed to prioritize the delivery of highly oxygenated blood to the most important organs, such as the brain and heart, before circulating to the rest of the body. This is achieved through unique structures like the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale, which are not present in adult circulation.

Question 13

When describing genetic disorders to a group of childbearing couples, the nurse would identify which as an example of an autosomal dominant inheritance disorder?

Accepted Answer

Huntington's disease is an example of an autosomal dominant inheritance disorder, meaning only one copy of the defective gene, inherited from one parent, is necessary for the disease to occur.

Question 14

Prenatal testing is used to assess for genetic risks and to identify genetic disorders. In explaining to a couple about an elevated alpha-fetoprotein screening test result, the nurse would discuss the need for:

Accepted Answer

An elevated alpha-fetoprotein screening test result is not diagnostic on its own; it indicates the need for further, more definitive evaluations to accurately determine the presence of any genetic disorders or abnormalities.

Question 15

A nursing instructor is preparing a teaching plan for a group of nursing students about the potential for misuse of genetic discoveries and advances. Which the following would the instructor most likely include?

Accepted Answer

Individual risk profiling and confidentiality are significant concerns in the context of genetic discoveries and advances, as they involve sensitive personal information that could be misused, leading to discrimination or breaches of privacy.

Question 16

After teaching a class on the stages of fetal development, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following as a stage? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of After teaching a class on the stages...

Question 17

A nurse is discussing fetal development with a pregnant woman. The woman is 12 weeks pregnant and asks, "What's happening with my baby?" Which of the following would the nurse integrate into the response? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse is discussing fetal development with...

Question 18

After teaching a group of students about fetal development, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following as essential for fetal lung development?

Accepted Answer

Amniotic fluid is essential for fetal lung development because it helps the lungs to grow and develop properly by providing a medium for the fetus to "breathe" in and out, facilitating the maturation of the lungs.

Question 19

During a prenatal class for a group of new mothers, the nurse is describing the hormones produced by the placenta. Which of the following would the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The placenta produces several hormones essential for maintaining pregnancy and supporting fetal development. Estriol (B) is a form of estrogen that increases throughout pregnancy and is involved in the development of the fetus and preparation of the breasts for lactation. Relaxin (C) helps to relax the uterine muscles, preventing contractions in early pregnancy, and also plays a role in preparing the cervix and pelvis for childbirth. Progestin (D), specifically progesterone, is crucial for maintaining the uterine lining for pregnancy. Human chorionic somatomammotropin (E), also known as human placental lactogen, helps to regulate maternal glucose levels, contributing to the energy supply of the fetus. Prolactin (A) is not produced by the placenta but by the pituitary gland and is involved in milk production.

Question 20

A group of students are reviewing information about genetic inheritance. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as an example of an autosomal recessive disorder? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The answer of A group of students are reviewing information...

Quiz 10: Fetal Development and Genetics