ABGC Exam Domain 4 Ultimate Test Bank: Master
Counseling Skills & Communication Strategies
Subdomain 4a: Counseling Skills
Question 1:
Which theoretical framework is specifically designed to assess and
reduce decisional conflict in genetic counseling sessions?
A) Motivational Interviewing
B) Miller’s Decisional Conflict Model
C) Trauma-Informed Care
D) LEARN Model
Answer: B
Rationale: Miller’s Decisional Conflict Model focuses on evaluating a
client’s readiness to make informed decisions by addressing uncertainty,
preferences, and values. It is explicitly listed as a core framework in the
ABGC exam content for counseling skills.
Question 2:
A genetic counselor notices a client attributes their anxiety about genetic
testing to a healthcare provider, despite evidence of their own distress.
This behavior is an example of which defense mechanism?
A) Repression
B) Projection
C) Denial
D) Intellectualization
Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one’s own feelings or
thoughts to others. The ABGC exam evaluates recognition of defense
,mechanisms in video-recorded sessions, requiring counselors to identify
such behaviors to address underlying emotions.
Question 3:
A 2025 ABGC exam update integrates trauma-informed care. Which
NSGC document emphasizes screening for Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACEs) in this context?
A) The ACMG Incidental Findings Checklist
B) NSGC’s ACEs Screening Position Statement
C) The LEARN Model
D) Motivational Interviewing Guidelines
Answer: B
Rationale: NSGC’s ACEs Screening Position Statement (2025 update)
mandates trauma-informed approaches to recognize and address past
traumas, ensuring client-centered care. This aligns with evolving
standards in counseling skills.
Subdomain 4b: Communication Strategies
Question 4:
A patient struggles to understand a consent form for genetic testing.
Which tool should a counselor use first to assess health literacy?
A) ACMG Incidental Findings Disclosure Checklist
B) Newest Vital Sign (NVS)
C) Miller’s Decisional Conflict Model
D) LEARN Model
Answer: B
Rationale: The Newest Vital Sign (NVS) is a validated tool for health
literacy assessment. It helps tailor communication to ensure informed
decision-making, as emphasized in ABGC exam content.
,Question 5:
A Muslim family declines genetic testing due to cultural beliefs. Which
NSGC model guides culturally competent communication to address
their concerns?
A) Motivational Interviewing
B) LEARN Model (Listen, Explain, Acknowledge, Recommend,
Negotiate)
C) ACEs Screening Framework
D) Decisional Conflict Model
Answer: B
Rationale: The LEARN Model is a structured approach to culturally
sensitive communication. "Acknowledge" respects cultural values, while
"Negotiate" fosters collaborative care plans, aligning with NSGC
standards.
Question 6:
When disclosing incidental findings from exome sequencing, which
ACMG guideline ensures ethical informed consent documentation?
A) The NSGC LEARN Model
B) ACMG Incidental Findings Disclosure Checklist
C) Motivational Interviewing Stages
D) Trauma-Informed Care Principles
Answer: B
Rationale: ACMG’s Incidental Findings Disclosure Checklist outlines
requirements for consent documentation, including anticipation of
secondary results. This is a key component of ABGC’s communication
domain.
Subdomain 4a: Counseling Skills
, Question 7:
A client expresses ambivalence about undergoing prenatal testing,
stating, “I want to know, but I’m scared of the results.” Which
counseling approach emphasizes partnering with the client to explore
their motivations and resolve conflict?
A) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
B) Motivational Interviewing
C) Psychodynamic Therapy
D) Trauma-Informed Care
Answer: B
Rationale: Motivational Interviewing (Rollnick’s framework) focuses
on resolving ambivalence through collaboration and client-centered
guidance. It aligns with the ABGC’s emphasis on strategies to enhance
decisional readiness.
Question 8:
During a counseling session, a client systematically detaches from
emotional distress by focusing on technical details of genetic testing.
This behavior exemplifies which defense mechanism?
A) Projection
B) Intellectualization
C) Rationalization
D) Sublimation
Answer: B
Rationale: Intellectualization involves disengaging emotionally by
over-reasoning. The ABGC exam evaluates recognition of such
mechanisms to address clients’ unspoken emotional needs during
sessions.
Counseling Skills & Communication Strategies
Subdomain 4a: Counseling Skills
Question 1:
Which theoretical framework is specifically designed to assess and
reduce decisional conflict in genetic counseling sessions?
A) Motivational Interviewing
B) Miller’s Decisional Conflict Model
C) Trauma-Informed Care
D) LEARN Model
Answer: B
Rationale: Miller’s Decisional Conflict Model focuses on evaluating a
client’s readiness to make informed decisions by addressing uncertainty,
preferences, and values. It is explicitly listed as a core framework in the
ABGC exam content for counseling skills.
Question 2:
A genetic counselor notices a client attributes their anxiety about genetic
testing to a healthcare provider, despite evidence of their own distress.
This behavior is an example of which defense mechanism?
A) Repression
B) Projection
C) Denial
D) Intellectualization
Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one’s own feelings or
thoughts to others. The ABGC exam evaluates recognition of defense
,mechanisms in video-recorded sessions, requiring counselors to identify
such behaviors to address underlying emotions.
Question 3:
A 2025 ABGC exam update integrates trauma-informed care. Which
NSGC document emphasizes screening for Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACEs) in this context?
A) The ACMG Incidental Findings Checklist
B) NSGC’s ACEs Screening Position Statement
C) The LEARN Model
D) Motivational Interviewing Guidelines
Answer: B
Rationale: NSGC’s ACEs Screening Position Statement (2025 update)
mandates trauma-informed approaches to recognize and address past
traumas, ensuring client-centered care. This aligns with evolving
standards in counseling skills.
Subdomain 4b: Communication Strategies
Question 4:
A patient struggles to understand a consent form for genetic testing.
Which tool should a counselor use first to assess health literacy?
A) ACMG Incidental Findings Disclosure Checklist
B) Newest Vital Sign (NVS)
C) Miller’s Decisional Conflict Model
D) LEARN Model
Answer: B
Rationale: The Newest Vital Sign (NVS) is a validated tool for health
literacy assessment. It helps tailor communication to ensure informed
decision-making, as emphasized in ABGC exam content.
,Question 5:
A Muslim family declines genetic testing due to cultural beliefs. Which
NSGC model guides culturally competent communication to address
their concerns?
A) Motivational Interviewing
B) LEARN Model (Listen, Explain, Acknowledge, Recommend,
Negotiate)
C) ACEs Screening Framework
D) Decisional Conflict Model
Answer: B
Rationale: The LEARN Model is a structured approach to culturally
sensitive communication. "Acknowledge" respects cultural values, while
"Negotiate" fosters collaborative care plans, aligning with NSGC
standards.
Question 6:
When disclosing incidental findings from exome sequencing, which
ACMG guideline ensures ethical informed consent documentation?
A) The NSGC LEARN Model
B) ACMG Incidental Findings Disclosure Checklist
C) Motivational Interviewing Stages
D) Trauma-Informed Care Principles
Answer: B
Rationale: ACMG’s Incidental Findings Disclosure Checklist outlines
requirements for consent documentation, including anticipation of
secondary results. This is a key component of ABGC’s communication
domain.
Subdomain 4a: Counseling Skills
, Question 7:
A client expresses ambivalence about undergoing prenatal testing,
stating, “I want to know, but I’m scared of the results.” Which
counseling approach emphasizes partnering with the client to explore
their motivations and resolve conflict?
A) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
B) Motivational Interviewing
C) Psychodynamic Therapy
D) Trauma-Informed Care
Answer: B
Rationale: Motivational Interviewing (Rollnick’s framework) focuses
on resolving ambivalence through collaboration and client-centered
guidance. It aligns with the ABGC’s emphasis on strategies to enhance
decisional readiness.
Question 8:
During a counseling session, a client systematically detaches from
emotional distress by focusing on technical details of genetic testing.
This behavior exemplifies which defense mechanism?
A) Projection
B) Intellectualization
C) Rationalization
D) Sublimation
Answer: B
Rationale: Intellectualization involves disengaging emotionally by
over-reasoning. The ABGC exam evaluates recognition of such
mechanisms to address clients’ unspoken emotional needs during
sessions.
