Please use Chapter 10 to answer these questions by numbers
Ultrasound and Genetic Amniocentesis
Anna is a 29-year-old G2 P1 who has just had a 20-week routine anatomy ultrasound. The
physician informed her that there were some “soft markers” for Down syndrome and that
genetic amniocentesis is available if she wants to have it.
Based upon the case study above, answer the following questions and explain the rationale
for each response.
- Anna decided to go home and discuss the findings with her family. She ultimately
decided to have genetic amniocentesis and is back today for that appointment. What are
the nursing implications of genetic amniocentesis? - The results of the amniocentesis show trisomy 21. After genetic counseling, Anna chooses to
continue the pregnancy. How should a nurse help Anna at this time in her pregnancy?
Course work
Amniocentesis has got a number of implications that include preterm labor and delivery;
one may develop respiratory distress, postural deformities, chorioamnionitis, fetal trauma and
alloimmunization of the mother. Amniocentesis may help in detecting some genetic disorders
such as sickle cell disease. Amniocentesis may lead to miscarriage. The risk of occurrence of
miscarriage which is not related to any procedure is around 6 in 100 at the ninth to the 12 th week
of pregnancy. The risks decrease to 1 in 100 in the fifteenth week of pregnancy (Perry et al.,
2014). Due to amniocentesis, there exist a high number of women who have miscarriage.
Amniocentesis can result to damage of the fetus. It is not common for the needle to touch the
fetus because the ultra-side helps in guiding the needle which can be moved in another direction.
Other serious impacts of amniocentesis include bleeding, cramping, or infection (Perry et al.,
2014). Cramping due to the procedure of amniocentesis is however not common and may stop
when one gets a rest. Bleeding or amniotic fluid leaking may occur though in small amounts due
COURSEWORK 2
to the procedure. Infection may also take place during the procedure and the signs include flu-
like and fever symptoms.
Amniocentesis will be able to detect whether Anna’s baby has got the normal number of
chromosomes which are supposed to be 46. The procedure can also find Down syndrome and
other abnormalities related to chromosomes (Perry et al., 2014). In case there is a family history
in a certain problem, there are other tests which can be done in the amniocentesis sample to help
in detecting the problem. At this time of pregnancy, the nurses can advise Anna on what she is
supposed to do and what not to do after the procedure. For example, she is not supposed to drive
herself. She is also supposed to rest in the next 24 hours. The nurse should help Anna feel safe
with the procedure by telling her what to expect after during and after the procedure and what to
do.
COURSEWORK 3
References
Perry, S. E., Hockenberry, M. J., Lowdermilk, D. L. & Wilson, D. (2014). Maternal Child
Nursing Care (5th Ed.). New York: Elsevier Inc.