A young woman's mother has been diagnosed with BRCA gene-associated breast cancer. The patient asks the nurse, "Do you think I should be tested for the gene?" Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although presymptomatic testing for genetic disorders allows patients to take action (such as mastectomy) to prevent the development of some genetically caused disorders, patients also need to consider that test results in their medical file may impact insurance, employability, etc. Telling a patient that a decision about mastectomy should be made before testing implies that the nurse has made a judgment about what the patient should do if the test is positive. Although the patient may need to think about her reaction if the test is positive, other issues (e.g., insurance) also should be considered. Although most breast cancers are not caused by the BRCA gene, the patient with the gene has a markedly increased risk for breast cancer.

A Young Woman's Mother Has Been Diagnosed with BRCA Gene-Associated