Autopsy on a stillborn fetus reveals cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, ...

[daltonest1984]

Autopsy on a stillborn fetus reveals cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, edema, and ascites as well as fulminant intrauterine congestive heart failure. Considering these findings, what is the most likely cause of death?
 
  a. Alpha thalassemia minor
  b. Alpha thalassemia major
  c. Hemoglobin H disease
  d. Alpha trait

Question 2

If an infant has hydrops fetalis, which type of thalassemia does the nurse suspect?
 
  a. Beta minor
  b. Beta major
  c. Alpha minor
  d. Alpha major

[lucas dlamini]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Alpha thalassemia major causes hydrops fetalis and fulminant intrauterine congestive heart fail-ure. In addition to edema and massive ascites, the fetus has a grossly enlarged heart and liver. These findings are not associated with alpha thalassemia minor, hemoglobin H disease, or alpha trait, which is the mildest form of the disease.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Hydrops fetalis is due to alpha thalassemia major, not either beta form or alpha minor.