A newborn has just been diagnosed with a negative result from ...

[folubunmi]

A newborn has just been diagnosed with a negative result from genetic testing. What should the nurse realize this finding means?
 
  1. No further follow-up is needed.
  2. There is no clinical explanation for the symptoms that are seen.
  3. The baby is likely a carrier of a genetic abnormality.
  4. The baby will develop symptoms of a genetic abnormality later in life.

Question 2

A baby with Down syndrome has been born to a mother who refuses to allow any family members to visit her or the newborn. What should the nurse realize this patient is demonstrating?
 
  1. postpartum depression
  2. denial
  3. anxiety and guilt
  4. poor bonding

[olivia_paige29]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
If the genetic test was for newborn screening and the result is negative, the newborn will not need diagnostic testing. No follow-up is needed. There is no evidence of a manifestation. Newborn screening is often routine. The test results indicate the baby does not have a genetic disorder. There is no way to predict the baby's future health status.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3

Nurses must also provide care to help alleviate any patient anxiety or guilt. Anxiety of the unknown is common when awaiting diagnosis or test results, but individuals also experience anxiety from not understanding the future implications of a confirmed genetic disease. Guilt may be associated with knowledge of the existence of a genetic condition being in a family. The nurse must support patients as they contemplate telling extended family members, friends, and neighbors about a confirmed diagnosis. Patients often do not want to tell extended family members until they are ready. The nurse should encourage open discussion and expressing fears and concerns. Guilt and shame are very common as a patient deals with the loss of the expectation and dream of a healthy child. There is no evidence to suggest that the mother is in denial or has poor bonding with the infant. Postpartum depression is not an immediate response.