The nurse provides counseling to a family of a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with the knowledge that

Choice A reason: Complications of immobility, like muscle atrophy or thromboembolism, occur with both ORIF and closed reduction, as both may require immobilization post-procedure. ORIF involves surgery, but modern protocols emphasize early mobilization, similar to closed reduction. This disadvantage is not unique to ORIF, making it an incorrect choice.

Choice B reason: ORIF involves surgical incision and hardware placement, increasing infection risk at the surgical site or deep tissues (osteomyelitis). Closed reduction is non-invasive, avoiding this risk. Infections can delay healing, require antibiotics, or necessitate hardware removal, making this a significant disadvantage of ORIF compared to closed reduction.

Choice C reason: Skin irritation can occur with both ORIF (from incisions or hardware) and closed reduction (from casts or splints). It is not a distinct disadvantage of ORIF, as both methods involve external or internal devices that may irritate skin. This choice is incorrect, as it is not unique to ORIF.

Choice D reason: Nerve impairment risks exist in both ORIF (from surgical manipulation) and closed reduction (from fracture displacement or cast pressure). Neither method uniquely predisposes to nerve damage, and careful technique minimizes this risk. This disadvantage is not specific to ORIF, making it an incorrect choice.

Choice A reason: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder. Males (XY) pass their Y chromosome to sons and X to daughters, not the DMD gene. Females (XX) can pass the mutated X to offspring. This statement is incorrect, as males cannot pass the DMD gene to their children.

Choice B reason: DMD primarily affects males, as it is X-linked recessive, and males lack a second X chromosome to mask the mutation. Females are rarely affected, typically as carriers or in rare cases with skewed X-inactivation. This statement is incorrect, as patients are predominantly male, not female.

Choice C reason: Genetic testing identifies DMD gene mutations, confirming diagnosis and guiding treatment, such as corticosteroids to slow muscle degeneration or emerging gene therapies. It informs prognosis, carrier status, and family planning, making it critical for tailoring interventions and counseling families about the disease’s progression and management.

Choice D reason: Not all daughters of a carrier female will be carriers. A carrier mother has a 50% chance of passing the mutated X chromosome to each daughter, making half likely carriers. This statement is incorrect, as it overstates the genetic transmission probability for female offspring.