A patient is distressed to learn that a sibling is diagnosed with both neurologic and cognitive manifestations of Huntington disease. When the patient asks the nurse how to determine the incidence of the disease, which answer is most appropriate?
"All family members are now at risk for the disease."
"Only your children need to be tested for a genetic connection."
"If you are not diagnosed by age 20, you are considered safe."
"You definitely need to have genetic testing for the disease."
The Correct Answer is A
A. Huntington disease is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, meaning that if one parent has the gene, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. Therefore, all family members are at risk for the disease.
B. While genetic testing may be relevant for the patient’s children, it is not limited only to them. The patient and other family members are also at risk and may choose to be tested.
C. Huntington disease typically manifests between ages 30 and 50, and there is no age cutoff for determining risk. Early diagnosis may occur, but not being diagnosed by age 20 does not rule out the disease.
D. While genetic testing can confirm the presence of the gene, it is not the only way to determine risk. Family history and clinical symptoms are also key factors in understanding the risk for Huntington disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Shallow, even respirations may be a normal finding or indicate respiratory distress, but it is not a specific sign of increased ICP. It should still be monitored, but it is not the most concerning finding in this scenario.
B. Narrowing pulse pressure, which is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, is a sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). As ICP rises, the body compensates by increasing systolic blood pressure and decreasing diastolic pressure, leading to a narrowing pulse pressure. This is a critical sign that should be reported immediately to the RN.
C. Increased systolic blood pressure is a compensatory mechanism to maintain cerebral perfusion when ICP increases. While it is concerning, it is not as immediately alarming as narrowing pulse pressure, which is a more direct indicator of increased ICP.
D. A pulse of 98 is within normal limits for most adults and does not indicate any immediate concern regarding increased ICP. It should be monitored, but it does not require urgent reporting to the RN.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Unstable blood pressure can occur with damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary, but it is more commonly associated with other neurological conditions. While blood pressure may fluctuate, it is not the most direct result of pituitary or hypothalamic damage.
B. Diabetes insipidus is the correct answer. The pituitary gland secretes antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which helps regulate water balance. Damage to the pituitary or hypothalamus can lead to a deficiency of ADH, causing diabetes insipidus, which is characterized by excessive thirst and urination.
C. Diabetes mellitus is a condition related to insulin production and blood sugar regulation, typically caused by pancreatic issues, not damage to the pituitary or hypothalamus.
D. Altered respiratory rate can occur with brain injury, but it is more commonly associated with damage to the brainstem rather than the hypothalamus or pituitary.
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