A nurse is caring for a child with Huntington's chorea, a ...

[maegan_martin]

A nurse is caring for a child with Huntington's chorea, a hereditary condition. Which of the following statements is true of hereditary conditions?
 
  A) The symptoms are manifested immediately after birth.
  B) The condition is due to maternal exposure to toxins.
  C) The condition is acquired from genes of one or both parents.
  D) The course is associated with exacerbations and remissions.

Question 2

A nurse who works in a neonatal intensive care unit is caring for a critically ill infant with a poor prognosis. She is Christian and feels responsible to care for both the physical and spiritual needs of the infant and his parents.
 
  What is the best statement for the nurse to make to the parents of the infant? a. You should have the child baptized so that its soul will be saved.
  b. Would you like me to call the chaplain to christen your child at the bedside?
  c. What can I do to support your spiritual needs?
  d. I have asked my pastor to stop by and talk to you.

[allisonblackmore]

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
Hereditary conditions are acquired from genes of one or both parents. The symptoms may or may not be manifested immediately after birth. Some hereditary diseases, including Huntington's chorea, remain asymptomatic and undiagnosed until adulthood. Hereditary conditions are not necessarily due to abnormalities in embryonic development.

Answer to Question 2

C
Differentiate your personal spirituality from that of the patient. Your role is not to solve the spi-ritual problems of patients, but to provide an environment for your patients to express their spi-rituality. Having the child baptized or asking your pastor to come talk to the patient is applying your spiritual values on the patient. Asking permission to call the chaplain is assuming that the patient has value regarding that religious denomination.