A 37-year-old patient visits her OBGYN office for a routine check-up. She mentions that she and her partner are trying to conceive.

Which statement indicates that the patient understands infertility? 

Choice A rationale:

This statement suggests that the patient has some awareness of infertility treatments, but it does not necessarily indicate a full understanding of infertility itself.

It's important to consider that a few months of trying to conceive may not be indicative of infertility, as it can take up to a year for healthy couples to achieve pregnancy.

Jumping to fertility treatments without a proper evaluation could lead to unnecessary interventions and potential financial and emotional burdens.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Male factor infertility is a common cause of difficulty conceiving, accounting for about 40% of infertility cases.

It's essential to evaluate both partners when assessing fertility issues.

Choice C rationale:

This statement demonstrates the patient's understanding of the relationship between age and fertility.

Female fertility gradually declines with age, especially after the age of 35, due to a decrease in the number and quality of eggs.

This awareness indicates that the patient is realistic about her chances of conceiving and is prepared to seek appropriate help if needed.

Choice D rationale:

While family history can play a role in infertility, it's not a guarantee that someone will experience the same issues as their relatives.

Each case is unique, and multiple factors can contribute to infertility, including genetics, lifestyle, medical conditions, and environmental factors.

It's important to undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the specific causes of infertility in each individual.

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. The risk factor for a genetic disorder can vary depending on the specific disorder and the family history. For example, the risk of having a child with an autosomal recessive disorder is higher if there is a history of the disorder in the family.

Additionally, some genetic disorders have a higher risk of recurrence than others. For example, the risk of having a child with cystic fibrosis is 25% if both parents are carriers of the gene.

It's crucial for nurses to be aware of the varying risk factors associated with different genetic disorders to provide accurate information and counseling to families.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is also incorrect. The risk of a disorder involving maternal ingestion of drugs being repeated in the second child depends on several factors, including the specific drug, the dose, and the timing of exposure.

It cannot be generalized to a one in four chance for all drug-related disorders. Nurses should consult with appropriate resources and specialists to determine the specific risks associated with different drugs and exposures.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is incorrect for autosomal dominant disorders. With an autosomal dominant disorder, the likelihood of the second child also having the condition is 50%, not 100%. Each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the affected gene from the affected parent.

It's essential for nurses to understand the inheritance patterns of different genetic disorders to provide accurate information and support to families.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is correct. An autosomal recessive disease carries a one in eight risk of the second child also having the disorder. This is because both parents must be carriers of the affected gene for a child to inherit the disorder.

If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance that each child will inherit two copies of the affected gene and have the disorder. However, there is also a 50% chance that each child will inherit only one copy of the affected gene and be a carrier, and a 25% chance that each child will inherit two normal copies of the gene and not be affected.