A 38-year-old female gives birth to a stillborn fetus.Autopsy reveals cardiomegaly,hepatomegaly,edema,and ascites.Which of the following does the nurse suspect caused the death?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Alpha thalassemia major causes hydrops fetalis and fulminant intrauterine congestive heart failure.In addition to edema and massive ascites,the fetus has a grossly enlarged heart and liver.
The fetus has alpha thalassemia major,not minor.Major is manifested by heart failure and ascites.
The stillborn fetus has symptoms of alpha thalassemia major,not hemoglobin H disease.
The stillborn fetus has symptoms of alpha thalassemia major,not alpha trait,which is the mildest form of the disease.

A 38-Year-Old Female Gives Birth to a Stillborn Fetus