Deck 10: Fetal Development and Genetics

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:

A) Multifactorial inheritance
B) X-linked recessive inheritance
C) Trisomy numeric abnormality
D) Chromosomal deletion

Answer 1

Trisomy numeric abnormality

Question 2

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

A) Genetic diagnosis is now available as early as the second trimester.
B) Genetic testing can identify presymptomatic conditions in children.
C) Gene therapy can be used to repair missing genes with normal ones.
D) Genetic agents may be used in the future to replace drugs.

Answer 2

Genetic diagnosis is now available as early as 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?

A) Zona pellucida
B) Zygote
C) Cleavage
D) Morula

Answer 3

Zona pellucida

Question 4

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

A) Males are typically carriers of the disorders.
B) No male-to-male transmission occurs.
C) Daughters are more commonly affected with the disorder.
D) Both sons and daughters have a 50% risk of 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?

A) Down syndrome
B) Sickle-cell anemia
C) Cardiac defects
D) Open neural tube defect

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:

A) Meiosis
B) Fertilization
C) Formation of morula
D) Oogenesis

Question 7

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

A) "This fluid acts as transport mechanism for oxygen and nutrients."
B) "The fluid is mostly protein to provide nourishment to your baby."
C) "This fluid acts as a cushion to help to protect your baby from injury."
D) "The amount of fluid remains fairly constant throughout the pregnancy."

Question 8

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

A) Maternal diabetes
B) Placental insufficiency
C) Neural tube defects
D) Fetal gastrointestinal malformations

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?

A) 22
B) 23
C) 44
D) 46

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.)

A) One vein
B) Two veins
C) One artery
D) Two arteries
E) One ligament
F) Two ligaments

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?

A) Human placental lactogen (hPL)
B) Estrogen (estriol)
C) Progesterone (progestin)
D) Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

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?

A) Fetal blood is thicker than that of adults and needs different pathways.
B) Fetal circulation carries highly oxygenated blood to vital areas first.
C) Fetal blood has a higher oxygen saturation and circulates more slowly.
D) Fetal heart rates are rapid and circulation time is double that of adults.

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?

A) Huntington's disease
B) Sickle cell disease
C) Phenylketonuria
D) Cystic fibrosis

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:

A) Special care needed for a Down syndrome infant
B) A more specific determination of the acid-base status
C) Further, more definitive evaluations to conclude anything
D) Immediate termination of the pregnancy based on results

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?

A) Gene replacement therapy for defective genes
B) Individual risk profiling and confidentiality
C) Greater emphasis on the causes of diseases
D) Slower diagnosis of specific diseases

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.)

A) Placental
B) Preembryonic
C) Umbilical
D) Embryonic
E) Fetal

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.)

A) Continued sexual differentiation
B) Eyebrows forming
C) Startle reflex present
D) Digestive system becoming active
E) Lanugo present on the head

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?

A) Umbilical cord
B) Amniotic fluid
C) Placenta
D) Trophoblasts

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.)

A) Prolactin
B) Estriol
C) Relaxin
D) Progestin
E) Human chorionic somatomammotropin

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.)

A) Cystic fibrosis
B) Phenylketonuria
C) Tay-Sachs disease
D) Polycystic kidney disease
E) Achondroplasia

Question 21

A nurse is assessing a child with Klinefelter's syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? (Select all that apply.)

A) Gross mental retardation
B) Long arms
C) Profuse body hair
D) Gynecomastia
E) Enlarged testicles

Question 22

A woman is scheduled to undergo fetal nuchal translucency testing. Which of the following would the nurse include when describing this test?

A) "A needle will be inserted directly into the fetus's umbilical vessel."
B) "You'll have an intravaginal ultrasound to measure fluid in the fetus."
C) "The doctor will take a sample of fluid from your bag of waters."
D) "A small piece of tissue from the fetal part of the placenta is taken."