TRUE regarding irradiation of fertile females?

• A. Ovarian cells may be affected prior to fertilization; Embryos may be affected anytime after fertilization
• B. Ovarian cells may be affected prior to fertilization; Therapeutic abortion is recommended after 10 rem embryo/fetus exposure
• C. Embryos may be affected anytime after fertilization; Therapeutic abortion is recommended after 10 rem embryo/fetus exposure
• D. Ovarian cells may be affected prior to fertilization; Embryos may be affected anytime after fertilization; Therapeutic abortion is recommended after 10 rem embryo/fetus exposure

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how ionizing radiation can affect female reproductive cells before conception and the embryo/fetus after conception. Ovarian germ cells (the ova) can be damaged by radiation even before fertilization, which can lead to genetic changes transmitted to offspring or to reduced fertility. After fertilization, the developing embryo or fetus is susceptible to radiation at any stage, with risks that depend on dose and the gestational age—ranges from miscarriage or growth problems to congenital anomalies.

The best choice reflects two true statements: ovarian cells may be affected prior to fertilization, and embryos may be affected anytime after fertilization. The additional idea about a fixed “therapeutic abortion after 10 rem” is not a universal rule and isn’t necessary to state for this true understanding, so it isn’t included in the best answer.