Parents ask the nurse if there was something that should have ...

[iveyjurea]

Parents ask the nurse if there was something that should have been done during the pregnancy to prevent their child's cleft lip. Which statement should the nurse give as a response?
 
  a. This is a type of deformation and can sometimes be prevented.
  b. Studies show that taking folic acid during pregnancy can prevent this defect.
  c. This is a genetic disorder and has a 25 chance of happening with each pregnancy.
  d. The malformation occurs at approximately 5 weeks of gestation; there is no known way to prevent this.

Question 2

A couple expecting their first child has a positive family history for several congenital defects and disorders. The couple tells the nurse that they are opposed to abortion for religious reasons. Which should the nurse consider when counseling the couple
 
  a. The couple should be encouraged to have recommended diagnostic testing.
  b. The couple needs counseling regarding advantages and disadvantages of pregnancy termination.
  c. Diagnostic testing is required by law in this situation.
  d. Diagnostic testing is of limited value if termination of pregnancy is not an option.

[polinasid]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Cleft lip, an example of a malformation, occurs at approximately 5 weeks of gestation when the developing embryo naturally has two clefts in the area. There is no known way to prevent this defect. Deformations are often caused by extrinsic mechanical forces on normally developing tissue. Club foot is an example of a deformation often caused by uterine constraint. Cleft lip is not a genetic disorder; the reasons for this occurring are still unknown. Taking folic acid during pregnancy can help to prevent neural tube disorders but not cleft lip defects.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The benefits of prenatal diagnostic testing extend beyond decisions concerning abortion. If the child has congenital disorders, decisions can be made about fetal surgery if indicated. In addition, if the child is expected to require neonatal intensive care at birth, the mother is encouraged to deliver at a level III neonatal center. The couple is counseled about the advantages and disadvantages of prenatal diagnosis, not pregnancy termination, although the family cannot be forced to have prenatal testing. The information gives the parents time to grieve and plan for their child if congenital disorders are present. If the child is free of defects, then the parents are relieved of a major worry.

[iveyjurea]

TYSM

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