A nurse cares for a client who tests positive for alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. The client asks, "What does this mean?" How should the nurse respond?
a. "Your children will be at high risk for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
b. "I will contact a genetic counselor to discuss your condition."
c. "Your risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is higher, especially if you smoke."
d. "This is a recessive gene and should have no impact on your health."
ANS: C
The gene for AAT is a recessive gene. Clients with only one allele produce enough AAT to prevent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) unless the client smokes. A client with two alleles is at high risk for COPD even if not exposed to smoke or other irritants. The client is a carrier, and children may or may not be at high risk depending on the partner's AAT levels. Contacting a genetic counselor may be helpful but does not address the client's current question.
You might also like to view...
The baroreceptors, located in the left atrium, and the carotid and aortic arches respond to changes in the circulating blood volume and regulate sympathetic and parasympathetic neural activity as well as endocrine activities
Sympathetic stimulation constricts renal arterioles, causing what? A) Decrease in the release of aldosterone B) Increase of filtration in the Loop of Henle C) Decrease in the reabsorption of sodium D) Decrease in glomerular filtration
The nurse is caring for a patient with transient ischemic attack (TIA). Which medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient?
1. antiplatelet agents 2. fibrinolytic therapy 3. anticoagulant therapy 4. corticosteroids
The nurse is going to be working with a client who has a permanent colostomy and is ready to go home within the next several days. When organizing the teaching/learning experience, the nurse should:
A) Discover what the learner knows before proceeding with further teaching. B) Start from the beginning and proceed through all material. C) Break up sessions into shortened time periods. D) Make sure the client's spouse is present before the teaching session begins.
A comatose client is being positioned supine. What should be done to maintain the functional alignment of this client's hands?
1. Externally rotate the arms 2. Cross the arms over the chest 3. Elevate the upper arms on pillows 4. Place a rolled washcloth in each hand