A pregnant woman is confused about the terms embryo and fetus. ...

[LaDunn]

A pregnant woman is confused about the terms embryo and fetus. How does the nurse explain the difference?
 
  A.
  The baby can't be called a fetus until the limbs and organs have formed.
  B.
  The baby is an embryo until 8 weeks' gestation; then it is called a fetus.
  C.
  There really isn't any difference between the terms; they are interchangeable.
  D.
  Your baby is a fetus until the kidneys are matured and he makes urine.

Question 2

A baby is born with several congenital anomalies. The parents are distraught and begin questioning each other about what they did wrong during the pregnancy. What response by the nurse is best?
 
  A.
  Chances are you did everything right; we may never know why this happened.
  B.
  Usually these types of issues result from toxic environmental exposures.
  C.
  You are lucky you did not have a miscarriage and instead have a wonderful baby.
  D.
  You can't worry about that now; you have a baby who needs you.

[ApricotDream]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
During the first 8 weeks of gestation, the baby is called an embryo. By the end of the eighth week, the embryo has developed enough to be called a fetus. The other statements are inaccurate.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Damage to a developing embryo/fetus can occur from genetic or environmental causes or a combination of both. However, in 50 to 60 of cases, the exact cause may never be known. The nurse should reassure the parents gently. It is incorrect to state that anomalies are usually caused by environmental factors. Telling the family they are lucky and they shouldn't worry is disrespectful and dismissive to the parents.

[LaDunn]

Thank you

[ApricotDream]

Happy to help you