A child with suspected Down syndrome has been born to 32-year-old parents. The parents ask the nurse how the diagnosis will be made and if there was a way that the diagnosis could have been made during the pregnancy. The best response by the nurse is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most common method for diagnosing Down syndrome during pregnancy is through amniocentesis. This involves taking a sample of the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus and testing it for chromosomal abnormalities, including the extra chromosome that causes Down syndrome. The other options described (a 24-hour urine collection, mom's blood test, and swab or stool sample) are not commonly used for diagnosing Down syndrome during pregnancy.

A Child with Suspected Down Syndrome Has Been Born to 32-Year-Old