A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a male client about a semen analysis to be done for suspected infertility.
Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

Refrigerating the specimen after collection is not recommended for semen analysis. Cold temperatures can damage sperm motility and viability, leading to inaccurate results. The specimen should be kept at room temperature and transported to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection. This ensures that the sperm are analyzed under conditions that closely resemble their natural environment within the body, providing the most accurate assessment of their health and function.

Choice C rationale:

Allowing the specimen to remain at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours prior to transport is also not advised. While sperm can survive for a limited time outside the body, prolonged exposure to room temperature can also negatively impact their motility and viability. This can compromise the accuracy of the semen analysis results.

Choice D rationale:

Collecting the specimen using a condom with spermicide is strictly prohibited for semen analysis. Spermicides are designed to kill sperm, and their presence in the sample would render the analysis entirely invalid. It's crucial to collect the specimen directly into a sterile container provided by the laboratory to ensure no contaminants interfere with the analysis.

Choice B rationale:

Abstaining from ejaculation for 2 to 3 days prior to the semen analysis is essential for obtaining accurate results. This timeframe allows for optimal sperm concentration and quality within the ejaculate. Frequent ejaculation can deplete sperm reserves, potentially leading to lower sperm counts and reduced motility in the sample. By adhering to the recommended abstinence period, the chances of obtaining a representative and accurate assessment of the patient's semen quality are significantly increased.

Choice A rationale:

Maternal smoking is a major risk factor for low birth weight. Studies have consistently shown that infants born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to be born prematurely and have a lower birth weight compared to infants born to non-smoking mothers.

Nicotine, a primary component in cigarettes, is a vasoconstrictor that reduces blood flow to the placenta. This decreased blood flow can deprive the developing fetus of oxygen and essential nutrients, leading to impaired growth and development.

Carbon monoxide, another harmful substance in cigarette smoke, binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen. This can also contribute to fetal hypoxia and growth restriction.

Smoking can also interfere with placental function, further compromising the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.

Choice B rationale:

While some studies have suggested a possible link between maternal smoking and hyperactivity in children, the evidence is not conclusive. Further research is needed to establish a definitive association.

Choice C rationale:

There is no clear evidence to suggest that maternal smoking directly causes hypersensitivity to noise in newborns.

Choice D rationale:

Craniofacial abnormalities are not typically associated with maternal smoking. They are more commonly caused by genetic factors or exposure to certain medications or substances during pregnancy.