Author Question: The nurse is developing a teaching plan for parents who need genetic counseling. Which statement by ... (Read 86 times)

tiara099 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is developing a teaching plan for parents who need genetic counseling. Which statement by a parent indicates the need for further education?

1. All the chromosomes are the same size in males and females alike.
2. Half of the sets of chromosomes come from the mother and the other half comes from the father.
3. The 23rd pair of chromosomes will determine if our child will be male or female.
4. One Y chromosome and one X sex chromosome will produce a male child.

Question 2

At the completion of genetic testing it has been determined that a patient's baby will have Down syndrome. What should the nurse say to the patient after learning this information?

1. I realize that this news is difficult for you. Is there anything that I can do to help you at this time?
2. It's not too late to consider ending the pregnancy.
3. You are young enough to be able to handle the baby's challenges.
4. It does not matter if the baby has problems; all life is precious.

macybarnes · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

A basic understanding of the cell, DNA, cell division, and chromosomes is important for young families receiving genetic counseling. The cell nucleus contains about six feet of DNA that are tightly wound and packaged into 23 pairs of chromosomes, making a complete set of 46 chromosomes. There are two copies of each chromosome. One copy, or half of the complete set of these 46 chromosomes, is inherited from the mother, and the other copy is inherited from the father. Chromosomes are numbered according to size, with chromosome 1 being the largest and chromosome 22 being the smallest. The first 22 pairs of chromosomes are alike in males and females. The 23rd pair, the sex chromosomes, determines an individual's gender. A female has two copies of the X chromosomes and a male has one X chromosome and a Y chromosome. These X and Y chromosomes are known as sex chromosomes.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

Nurses should encourage open discussions and the expression of fears and concerns. When supporting a the pregnant patient who learns that the baby has Down syndrome, the best response for the nurse to make would be to acknowledge that the news is difficult and offer to help the patient. The nurse should not suggest that the patient terminate the pregnancy nor tell the patient that the baby will have challenges that will need to be met by a young person. Stating that all life is precious is judgmental and should not be stated by the nurse.