Asked by james P-Val on May 20, 2024
Verified
During a health history interview, a 38-year-old woman shares that she is thinking about having another baby. The nurse knows which statement to be true regarding pregnancy after 35 years of age?
A) Fertility does not start to decline until age 40 years.
B) Occurrence of Down syndrome is significantly more frequent after the age of 35 years.
C) Genetic counseling and prenatal screening are not routine until after age 40 years.
D) Women older than 35 years who are pregnant have the same rate of pregnancy-related complications as those who are younger than 35 years.
Down Syndrome
A genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21.
Genetic Counseling
A process that involves advising individuals and families on the nature, inheritance, and implications of genetic disorders to help them make informed medical and personal decisions.
Fertility
The natural capability to produce offspring; a measure of reproductive efficiency.
- Recognize the significance of prenatal screening and diagnostic examinations for the health of both mother and fetus.
Verified Answer
SC
ShaRaye ChesterMay 25, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The risk for Down syndrome increases as the woman ages, from approximately 1 in 1250 at age 25 years to 1 in 400 at age 35 years. Fertility declines with advancing maternal age. Women 35 years and older or with a history of a genetic abnormality are offered genetic counseling and the options of prenatal diagnostic screening tests. Because the incidence of chronic diseases increases with age, women older than 35 years who are pregnant more often have medical complications such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the significance of prenatal screening and diagnostic examinations for the health of both mother and fetus.