Chapter 3: Genetics, Conception, Fetal Development, and Reproductive Technology

The nurse is counseling a female patient who has unsuccessfully attempted to become pregnant through a variety of methods and treatments for infertility. Which psychosocial manifestation is the nurse most likely to recognize?

Difficulty accepting pregnancy if it does occur

The nurse is counseling a female patient diagnosed with anovulation as a cause of infertility. Which information does the nurse provide to the patient? Select all that apply.

1. Methods for dietary planning 2. Instructions for clomiphene citrate

A female patient with a history of infertility is scheduled to have a hysterosalpingogram. Which findings can be detected with this procedure? Select all that apply.

1. Tubal occlusions 2. Uterine fibroids 3. Bicornuate uterus

An infertile couple voices concern to the nurse about assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The nurse agrees that ART has created numerous dilemmas. Which potential questions does the nurse discuss with the couple? Select all that apply.

1. Which partner has ownership of the embryos? 2. Should a child be told about donors or surrogates? 3. Are there parental rights for sperm donors? 4. What happens to any surplus embryos?

The nurse works in an infertility clinic and is interviewing a male patient whose partner has been unable to conceive. Which finding obtained during a health history will cause the nurse greatest concern?

The patient had a vasectomy reversed.

A female carries one positive genetic marker for Huntington's disease. Her partner does not have any markers for the disease. For which reason is it so important for this family to identify persons with the genetic marker?

Symptoms do not manifest until 30 to 50 years of age.

A patient at 13 weeks' gestation asks the nurse how her baby is nourished during pregnancy. Which information does the nurse use to explain the process to the mother?

Glucose, amino acids, and oxygen pass through the placenta from mother to baby

A male patient is diagnosed with low sperm count as the cause of infertility. Which interventions will the nurse recommend to improve the patient's sperm count? Select all that apply.

1. Yoga or relaxation techniques 2. Surgical repair of an inguinal hernia 3. Consultation to change hypertension drugs

The nurse is teaching a class about embryonic and fetal development to couples in the early stage of pregnancy. For which reason does the nurse emphasize the first 8 weeks of gestation?

All organ systems are developing during this period.

A patient who has just received confirmation that she is pregnant is distressed because she has a seizure disorder that she manages with carbamazepine. Which is the nurse's greatest concern?

Carbamazepine is teratogenic and causes neural and facial defects.

The nurse is counseling a couple who just learned their 16-week fetus tested positive for a serious genetic disorder. Which action by the nurse is inappropriate upon learning that the couple plan to continue the pregnancy?

Determine whether termination is still a consideration.

A patient at 34 weeks' gestation is undergoing an ultrasound. The nurse notes that the amniotic fluid is estimated at between 500 and 600 mL. Which deduction does the nurse make from this finding?

Oligohydramnios is present.

Genomic medicine is an emerging medical discipline that involves using genomic information about an individual as part of the individual's clinical care. Which example does the nurse associate with genomic medicine?

Screening of neonates for inherited, treatable genetic diseases

The nurse is counseling a patient regarding pregnancy. The patient lost her first two pregnancies in the second trimester of gestation for undetermined reasons. Which initial advice does the nurse provide for this patient?

Seek genetic studies

The nurse works in a urologist's office. A male patient is scheduled for routine fertility testing. For which test does the nurse refrain from making preparation?

Sexual functioning

An infertile couple learns that the female is unable to produce viable eggs. The male partner suggests the use of a surrogate as a means of having a child. The female states, "I don't want your baby with another woman!" The nurse is aware of which psychosocial issue with this couple?

The female is experiencing self-esteem issues.

A patient at 37 weeks' gestation arrives at the labor and delivery unit and reports a rupture of her membranes. Which factor causes the nurse to anticipate the health-care provider (HCP) will prescribe a medical method of labor induction?

The fetus is viable and the barrier for a sterile uterine environment is breached.

The nurse is discussing genetically linked diseases with a couple planning a pregnancy. The female states, "I am concerned because there is a history of sickle-cell disease in my family." Which information from the nurse is correct?

The male partner needs genetic testing.

A female patient is concerned about an inability to become pregnant after trying for 1 year. Which information collected during a health history causes the nurse the greatest amount of concern about possible infertility?

The patient has hot flashes and mood swings

After counseling with an obstetrician about infertility, a couple is advised to undergo testicular sperm aspiration. The nurse is aware that the procedure may be recommended for which infertility?

Unsuccessful vasectomy reversal