Nursing

II. Prenatal Diagnosis & Intervention

1. What is a neural tube defect? How can it be detected?

2. How are fetal cells in the maternal circulation used for genetic diagnosis?

3. Describe amniocentesis? What is it used for? When is it indicated? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure?

4. What can maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels be used to screen for?

5. Describe chorionic villus sampling? What is it used for? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure?

6. Describe techniques used in invitro fertilization genetic diagnosis. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques?

7. Describe ultrasound? Can it be used to reliably detect for genetic disorders?