A client who is 15 weeks pregnant comes to the clinic for amniocentesis. The test can determine the sex of the fetus.

A client who is 15 weeks pregnant comes to the clinic for amniocentesis. The test can determine the sex of the fetus.

• A. Fetal weight
• B. Chromosomal defects
• C. Sex of the fetus
• D. Maternal blood type

Answer: (C)

Amniocentesis provides fetal cells from the amniotic fluid that can be analyzed for the fetal karyotype. By examining the sex chromosomes, you can determine the baby’s sex: the presence of a Y chromosome indicates a male, while two X chromosomes indicate a female. This makes sex determination possible from the test. Fetal weight is assessed by ultrasound estimates, not from amniotic fluid. Maternal blood type is determined from the mother’s blood, not from amniocentesis. While the test is primarily used to detect chromosomal defects, the sex outcome is a natural byproduct of evaluating the fetal chromosomes.

Amniocentesis provides fetal cells from the amniotic fluid that can be analyzed for the fetal karyotype. By examining the sex chromosomes, you can determine the baby’s sex: the presence of a Y chromosome indicates a male, while two X chromosomes indicate a female. This makes sex determination possible from the test.

Fetal weight is assessed by ultrasound estimates, not from amniotic fluid. Maternal blood type is determined from the mother’s blood, not from amniocentesis. While the test is primarily used to detect chromosomal defects, the sex outcome is a natural byproduct of evaluating the fetal chromosomes.