Chapter 06: Concepts of Genetics and
Genomics
Ignatavicius: Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A nurse consults a genetic counselor for a client whose mother has Huntington disease
and is considering genetic testing. The client states, “I know I want this test. Why do I
need to see a counselor?” How would the nurse respond?
a. “The counselor will advise you on whether you can have children or need to
adopt.”
b. “Genetic testing can be a stressful experience. Counseling can provide support
and education throughout the process.”
c. “There is no cure for this disease. The counselor will determine if there is any
benefit to genetic testing.”
d. “Genetic testing is expensive. The counselor will advocate for you and help
you obtain financial support.”
ANS: B
Genetic testing is a stressful experience, and clients would be provided with support,
education, and assistance with coping. Genetic testing would be performed only after
genetic counseling has occurred. The client has the right to decide whether to have
children or to participate in genetic testing. Nursing staff would provide both benefits
and risks to genetic testing so that the client can make an informed decision. Financial
support is not part of genetic counseling.
DIF: Applying TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
KEY: Genetics, Coping MSC: Client Needs Category:
Psychosocial Integrity
, 2. A primary health care provider prescribes genetic testing for a client who has a family
history of colorectal cancer. Which action would the nurse take before scheduling the
client for the procedure?
a. Confirm that informed consent was obtained and placed on the patient’s chart.
b. Provide genetic counseling to the client and the patient’s family members.
c. Assess if the client is prepared for the risk of psychological side effects.
d. Respect the patient’s right not to share the results of the genetic test.
ANS: A
Informed consent is required before genetic testing. The person tested is the one who
gives consent. An advanced practice provider would explain the procedure and
provide genetic counseling. Although the client would be prepared for the risk of
psychological side effects and the patient’s rights would be respected, the procedure
cannot occur without informed consent.
DIF: Applying TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and
Documentation KEY: Genetics, Informed consent MSC: Client
Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
3. A nurse cares for an adult client who has received genetic testing. The patient’s
mother asks to receive the results of the genetic tests. Which action would the nurse
take?
a. Obtain a signed consent from the client allowing test results to be released to
the mother.
b. Invite the mother and other family members to participate in genetic
counseling with the client.
c. Encourage the mother to undergo genetic testing to determine if she has the
same risks as her child.
d. Direct the mother to speak with the client and support the client’s decision to
share or not share the results.
Genomics
Ignatavicius: Medical-Surgical Nursing, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A nurse consults a genetic counselor for a client whose mother has Huntington disease
and is considering genetic testing. The client states, “I know I want this test. Why do I
need to see a counselor?” How would the nurse respond?
a. “The counselor will advise you on whether you can have children or need to
adopt.”
b. “Genetic testing can be a stressful experience. Counseling can provide support
and education throughout the process.”
c. “There is no cure for this disease. The counselor will determine if there is any
benefit to genetic testing.”
d. “Genetic testing is expensive. The counselor will advocate for you and help
you obtain financial support.”
ANS: B
Genetic testing is a stressful experience, and clients would be provided with support,
education, and assistance with coping. Genetic testing would be performed only after
genetic counseling has occurred. The client has the right to decide whether to have
children or to participate in genetic testing. Nursing staff would provide both benefits
and risks to genetic testing so that the client can make an informed decision. Financial
support is not part of genetic counseling.
DIF: Applying TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
KEY: Genetics, Coping MSC: Client Needs Category:
Psychosocial Integrity
, 2. A primary health care provider prescribes genetic testing for a client who has a family
history of colorectal cancer. Which action would the nurse take before scheduling the
client for the procedure?
a. Confirm that informed consent was obtained and placed on the patient’s chart.
b. Provide genetic counseling to the client and the patient’s family members.
c. Assess if the client is prepared for the risk of psychological side effects.
d. Respect the patient’s right not to share the results of the genetic test.
ANS: A
Informed consent is required before genetic testing. The person tested is the one who
gives consent. An advanced practice provider would explain the procedure and
provide genetic counseling. Although the client would be prepared for the risk of
psychological side effects and the patient’s rights would be respected, the procedure
cannot occur without informed consent.
DIF: Applying TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and
Documentation KEY: Genetics, Informed consent MSC: Client
Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
3. A nurse cares for an adult client who has received genetic testing. The patient’s
mother asks to receive the results of the genetic tests. Which action would the nurse
take?
a. Obtain a signed consent from the client allowing test results to be released to
the mother.
b. Invite the mother and other family members to participate in genetic
counseling with the client.
c. Encourage the mother to undergo genetic testing to determine if she has the
same risks as her child.
d. Direct the mother to speak with the client and support the client’s decision to
share or not share the results.
