A pregnant woman states, “My husband hopes I will give him a boy because we have three girls.” What will the nurse explain to this woman?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) If a sperm carrying a Y chromosome fertilizes an ovum, then a boy is produced. This is because the sex of the baby is determined by the genetic contribution of the father. Sperm carry either an X or a Y chromosome, while eggs carry an X chromosome. If a Y-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg, the resulting combination (XY) will develop into a male child. Option A is incorrect because the sex of the child is determined by the sperm's contribution (Y chromosome for a boy, X chromosome for a girl) rather than the ovum's contribution. Option B is incorrect as it simplifies the genetic process, which is a 50/50 chance for each gender. Option C is not accurate as the pH of the female reproductive tract does not determine the sex of the child. Educationally, understanding the basics of genetic inheritance in determining the sex of a child is important for healthcare providers working with pregnant women. It helps in accurate information delivery and dispelling any myths or misconceptions regarding how gender is determined in offspring. This knowledge also enables nurses to provide evidence-based explanations to expectant parents, empowering them with accurate information for their family planning decisions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of gene dominance, when one parent carries a dominant gene and the other parent does not, the correct percentage of children carrying the dominant gene is 50%. This is because in cases of dominant inheritance, only one copy of the dominant allele is needed for the trait to be expressed. Therefore, if one parent has a dominant gene, they will pass that dominant gene to half of their offspring. Option A) 10% is incorrect because in cases of dominance, the presence of the dominant gene will result in a 50% chance of inheritance, not 10%. Option B) 25% is incorrect because in scenarios of dominant gene inheritance, the percentage of children carrying the dominant gene is higher at 50%, not 25%. Option D) 100% is incorrect because if one parent has a dominant gene and the other does not, there is still a 50% chance of passing on the dominant gene, not a guarantee of 100%. Understanding gene dominance is crucial in genetics and pharmacology, especially in predicting the likelihood of certain traits or conditions being passed down from parents to offspring. It is essential for healthcare professionals to grasp these concepts to provide accurate genetic counseling and make informed clinical decisions based on a patient's genetic background.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The amniotic fluid provides maintenance of even temperature; prevents amnion from adhering to fetal skin; allows buoyancy, symmetrical growth, and fetal movement; and acts as a cushion for the fetus. Although the fetus does swallow amniotic fluid, it has no nutritional value. Impeding excessive fetal movement and lubricating fetal skin are not primary functions of amniotic fluid.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) The test results are within normal limits. Rationale: The correct response is to reassure the patient that a biophysical profile score of 8 is within the normal range. A score of 8 out of 10 indicates that the baby's overall health is good and there is no immediate concern for the need for urgent intervention. It is crucial for the nurse to provide accurate, clear, and reassuring information to the patient to alleviate any anxiety or confusion she may be experiencing. Option B) Immediate birth by cesarean birth is being considered is incorrect because a score of 8 does not indicate the need for immediate delivery. Cesarean birth is typically indicated for more severe fetal distress or complications. Option C) Further testing will be performed to determine the meaning of this score is incorrect as a score of 8 is already indicative of a good fetal status, and additional testing may not be necessary at this point. Option D) An obstetric specialist will evaluate the results of this profile and, within the next week, will inform you of your options regarding birth is incorrect as waiting a week for further evaluation is not necessary when the biophysical profile score is reassuring. Educational Context: It is essential for healthcare providers to effectively communicate test results to patients, especially in the sensitive context of pregnancy. Providing clear and accurate information can help alleviate patient anxiety and foster trust in the healthcare team. Understanding the significance of biophysical profile scores is crucial for nurses caring for pregnant patients to provide appropriate support and education.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Transcervical chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal diagnostic procedure used to detect genetic abnormalities in the fetus. The correct answer, option D, "Positive for group B Streptococcus," is a contraindication for CVS because the procedure carries a risk of ascending infection, which could be exacerbated by the presence of group B Streptococcus. Option A, "Rh-negative mother," is not a contraindication for CVS as Rh status does not directly impact the safety or efficacy of the procedure. Option B, "Gestation less than 15 weeks," is not a strict contraindication but is generally avoided due to the increased risk of limb reduction defects associated with CVS before 10-12 weeks. Option C, "Maternal age younger than 35 years," is not a contraindication as maternal age alone does not affect the safety of CVS. In an educational context, understanding contraindications for procedures like CVS is crucial for healthcare providers involved in prenatal care. It is important to consider not only the procedural aspects but also the individual patient factors that may impact the safety and success of such interventions. This knowledge ensures that appropriate patient selection is made to optimize outcomes and minimize risks in prenatal testing scenarios.