Question

A karyotype is done on a client's embryo. The results show 47,XY. The nurse interprets this for the client as a:

1) Normal male
2) Normal female
3) Male with an added chromosome

Answer 1

A karyotype result of 47,XY indicates a male individual with a genetic abnormality consisting of an extra chromosome. This condition corresponds to Klinefelter syndrome, where males have small testes, enlarged breasts, and may have reduced fertility.

Step-by-step explanation:

A karyotype showing a result of 47,XY indicates the presence of an additional chromosome in the individual's cells. Typically, a male has a chromosome composition denoted as 46,XY, with 46 total chromosomes including one X and one Y chromosome.

In this case, the 47,XY karyotype suggests a genetic abnormality where the male has an extra chromosome, making it 47 chromosomes in total rather than the usual 46. This condition is consistent with Klinefelter syndrome, one type of which is indicated by the XXY genotype.

Klinefelter syndrome is characterized by a set of phenotypic features such as small testes, enlarged breasts, reduced body hair, and often reduced fertility. It is a result of an atypical chromosomal arrangement where a male has at least two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome. Therefore, the nurse should interpret the results for the client as a male with an added chromosome.