Health Promotion and Maintenance
56. A client, who is gravida 6, para 4, has a routine ultrasound at 16 weeks' gestation. The ultrasound shows that the client is carrying dizygotic twins. She asks a nurse what the difference is between monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Which explanation by the nurse would be most accurate?
. "Monozygotic twins come from two different eggs and sperm."
. "Monozygotic twins come from one egg and two sperm."
. "Dizygotic twins come from one fertilized egg that splits."
. "Dizygotic twins come from two different eggs and sperm."
Test-Taking Tip
When there are two alternatives that seem similar, read the answers very carefully to determine the correct answer. Look at the root prefix: mono = one, and di = two (2 eggs, 2 sperm).
Content Area: Maternity, Antepartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because monozygotic twins (identical) develop from one fertilized egg that splits into identical halves early in embryonic development. Answer 2 is incorrect because monozygotic twins (identical) develop from one fertilized egg that splits into identical halves early in embryonic development. Once an egg has been penetrated by a single sperm, chemical changes take place that prevent multiple sperm fertilization. Answer 3 is incorrect because dizygotic twins develop from two different eggs fertilized by two different sperm. Answer 4 is correct because dizygotic twins develop from two different eggs fertilized by two different sperm.