A 10-week gravid states that her sister's son has been diagnosed with an X-linked recessive disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy. She questions the nurse about the disease. Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse to make?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct response for the nurse to make in this scenario is option A) Because Duchenne muscular dystrophy is inherited through the woman. This response is appropriate because Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked recessive disorder, meaning the gene responsible for the condition is located on the X chromosome. Since males have only one X chromosome (inherited from their mother), they are more likely to be affected by X-linked recessive disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Females, on the other hand, have two X chromosomes, so they would need to inherit the defective gene from both parents to be affected. Option B) advising the individual to see a genetic counselor is a valid response as well, as genetic counseling can provide more personalized information and guidance based on the individual's specific situation and family history. Option C) stating that Duchenne muscular dystrophy usually occurs as a spontaneous mutation and is unlikely that the fetus is affected is incorrect. While spontaneous mutations can occur, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is primarily an inherited genetic condition. Option D) indicating that the child could acquire Duchenne muscular dystrophy only if both parents carry the gene and advising to check the husband's family history is incorrect as it oversimplifies the inheritance pattern of X-linked recessive disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to have a deep understanding of genetic disorders and their inheritance patterns to provide accurate information and support to individuals and families. By explaining the correct inheritance pattern of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, nurses can empower individuals to make informed decisions about genetic testing, family planning, and seeking appropriate medical care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A, the woman's fetus. This is because the woman is carrying an autosomal dominant gene for a serious late adult-onset disease, which means there is a 50% chance that she will pass this gene to her offspring. As the fetus would potentially inherit this gene and be at risk of developing the disease in the future, genetic counseling is crucial to inform the parents about the risks and potential implications for their child. Options B, C, and D are not considered high risk and in need of genetic counseling in this specific case. The woman's sisters, brothers, and parents may have a 50% chance of inheriting the gene like any other family member, but they are not directly carrying a fetus that would be impacted by the gene. Genetic counseling for the woman's relatives would be more about understanding their own risk and options rather than immediate implications for a developing fetus. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of genetic evaluations in family planning and the significance of understanding the inheritance patterns of genetic conditions. It underscores the need for targeted genetic counseling based on individual family members' risks and the potential impact on future generations. Understanding these concepts is crucial for healthcare professionals involved in reproductive health and genetic counseling to provide informed and supportive care to individuals and families facing genetic challenges.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this pedigree analysis question, the correct answer is D) Known heterozygotes. In a pedigree chart, circles represent females, squares represent males, shaded symbols indicate the presence of a particular trait, and horizontal lines connecting a male and a female represent a mating. In this case, individuals IV-9 and IV-10 are siblings (same parents), both unaffected carriers of a genetic disease, which is represented by the shaded symbols in the pedigree. Option A) Fraternal twins: This option is incorrect as the individuals in question are siblings but not necessarily twins. Option B) Unaffected couple: This option is incorrect as the individuals are carriers of a genetic disease, not unaffected. Option C) Proband and sister: This option is incorrect as the proband is usually the individual from whom a genetic study originates, and in this case, the proband is not specified in the question. Educationally, understanding how to interpret pedigree charts is crucial in genetic counseling and healthcare to trace the inheritance patterns of genetic diseases within families. It helps in identifying carriers, affected individuals, and predicting the risk of passing on genetic conditions to future generations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In teaching fertility awareness, emphasizing the importance of recording basal body temperature (BBT) each morning before any activity is crucial. B) is the correct answer because BBT is affected by movement and any activity can potentially alter the reading. To accurately track ovulation, it's essential to take the temperature at rest, immediately upon waking. This method helps identify the slight temperature rise that occurs after ovulation, indicating the most fertile period. A) Is incorrect because BBT is not an average temperature but rather the body's lowest resting temperature taken in the morning. C) is incorrect as while BBT can help predict ovulation, it's not the most accurate method alone. Other signs like cervical mucus changes should also be considered. D) is incorrect because not all digital thermometers are suitable for tracking BBT accurately due to variations in their sensitivity and precision. In an educational context, understanding the significance of BBT tracking empowers women to take charge of their fertility and helps in natural family planning or conception efforts. By teaching the correct method of BBT tracking, nurses can support women in gaining insights into their menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health.