Asked by Jenna Carlee on Jul 02, 2024
Verified
A patient in her first trimester of pregnancy is diagnosed with rubella. Which of these statements is correct regarding the significance of this in relation to the infant's hearing?
A) Rubella may affect the mother's hearing but not the infant's.
B) Rubella can damage the infant's organ of Corti, which will impair hearing.
C) Rubella can impair the development of cranial nerve VIII and thus affect hearing.
D) Rubella is especially dangerous to the infant's hearing in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Rubella
A contagious viral disease marked by a rash and fever, also known as German measles, especially dangerous to pregnant women due to its potential to cause birth defects.
Organ of Corti
A structure located on the basilar membrane of the cochlea in the inner ear, responsible for the transduction of sound vibrations into electrical signals.
Cranial Nerve VIII
The vestibulocochlear nerve, responsible for hearing and balance.
- Understand the influence of pharmaceuticals and additional elements throughout pregnancy on the development of fetal ears and auditory capabilities.
Verified Answer
TG
Trisha Greenhalgh7 days ago
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
If maternal rubella infection occurs during the first trimester, then it can damage the organ of Corti and impair hearing. Maternal rubella can affect the infant's hearing, not the mother's hearing, if it occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy. Hearing is impaired due to damage to the organ of Corti, not cranial nerve VIII. Rubella does not impair the development of cranial nerve VIII.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the influence of pharmaceuticals and additional elements throughout pregnancy on the development of fetal ears and auditory capabilities.