Question

The nurse is caring for a newborn diagnosed with Down syndrome. The parents are asking questions about the disorder. The nurse should provide which information when discussing Down syndrome?

a. Down syndrome is caused by a single gene mutation.
b. Down syndrome is a contagious condition.
c. Down syndrome results from an extra chromosome 21.
d. Down syndrome is exclusively inherited from the father.

Answer 1

Down syndrome is caused by trisomy 21, where there is an extra chromosome 21. It is not caused by a single gene mutation, it is not contagious, and it can occur in children of either parent. Nondisjunction during meiosis is the most common cause, which is more likely to occur in women over 36.

Step-by-step explanation:

Down syndrome is caused by having three copies of chromosome 21, a condition known as trisomy 21. This extra chromosome can lead to intellectual disability, vision problems, congenital heart disease, and increased susceptibility to cancer. Contrary to option d, Down syndrome is not exclusively inherited from the father. Nondisjunction of chromosome 21 during meiosis is the most common cause, which happens more frequently in women over 36 due to increased risks of chromosomal errors with age.