Question

19. A young woman in her first trimester of pregnancy goes to her doctor after experiencing heavy bleeding. After examining the woman and finding that she has miscarried, the doctor states that she has had a “spontaneous abortion.” The young woman becomes very upset because her family believes that abortion is a sin. Explain the breakdown in communication that has occurred and how it could be corrected

Answer 1

The breakdown in communication occurred due to a misunderstanding of medical terminology. The doctor can correct this by explaining the difference between a miscarriage and an intentional abortion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The breakdown in communication in this scenario is due to a misunderstanding of medical terminology. The doctor used the term 'spontaneous abortion' to describe a miscarriage, which is a natural termination of a pregnancy. However, the young woman and her family have a religious belief that abortion is a sin, and they interpret the term 'abortion' as meaning an intentional ending of a pregnancy. To correct this communication breakdown, the doctor could explain the medical terminology in a clear and compassionate manner, emphasizing that a miscarriage is a natural occurrence and not the same as an intentional abortion.

Answer 2

Abnormal fetal development most likly occured. The most frequent cause of miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy is abnormal fetal development, due either to a teratogenic factor or to a chromosomal aberration. In other miscarriages, immunologic factors may be present or rejection of the embryo through an immune response may occur. Another common cause of early miscarriage involves implantation abnormalities. Miscarriage may also occur if the corpus luteum on the ovary fails to produce enough progesterone to maintain the decidua basalis.