Question 1

Genetic testing has revealed that a family has a strong predisposition to a disease that occurs late in life.What ethical dilemmas does the nurse recognize as resulting from this information?

Accepted Answer

The ethical dilemmas include whether children should be screened for the disease, considering the implications of knowing their genetic predisposition at a young age (A); whether children should have autonomy in deciding about their testing, respecting their rights and maturity to make such decisions (B); and whether other adult family members should be informed, balancing the right to privacy with the potential benefits of knowing their risk (D).

Question 2

While instructing a client on filling in a family history,the nurse says,"Don't include anyone who is not a blood relative in your history.They aren't family." What unintended message is the nurse sending?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is sending the unintended message that the client's non-blood relatives are not considered family.

Question 3

What is the nurse's primary role on the interdisciplinary health care team treating clients with genetic disorders?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's primary role on the interdisciplinary health care team is to promote open and accurate communication among team members to ensure effective treatment of clients with genetic disorders. While ordering genetic testing and analyzing genetic testing results may be part of the nurse's role, it is not the primary role. Ensuring appropriate financial resources are used may be important, but it is not the primary role of the nurse on the team.

Question 4

The husband of a woman with early-onset Alzheimer disease asks the nurse about using a family health history website to create a pedigree.Which information should the nurse consider when formulating a reply?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that using family health history websites to create a pedigree can have health promotion benefits, particularly in pediatric clients. These tools can help in identifying genetic predispositions and facilitate early interventions or preventive measures. While the question specifically mentions early-onset Alzheimer's disease, the principle of using such tools for health promotion can be applicable across various age groups and conditions, but the evidence mentioned is specific to pediatric clients.

Question 5

The medical geneticist often describes treatment options and prognosis in medical terms when speaking to families.How should the nurse advocate for these families?

Accepted Answer

Staying with the family after the geneticist leaves to interpret can help ease their confusion and give them a chance to ask questions and clarify any medical terminology. It allows the nurse to be a supportive and helpful advocate for the family.

Question 6

A child has been diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome.When the parents are given the diagnosis,which typical initial response does the nurse anticipate?

Accepted Answer

It is common for parents to have a sense that something may be different about their child before receiving a diagnosis. This response indicates that they were aware of potential challenges and may have already been seeking answers or support. The other options reflect feelings of guilt or hopelessness, which are less typical initial responses.

Question 7

A client's family history reveals multiple cases of a particular disease.The presence of the disease in which relatives is most significant to the health of the client?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client's family history reveals multiple cases...

Question 8

A family has been shown to carry genes for a rare condition.Researchers would like to use this family's test results as the basis for further study,but the family has serious reservations about participating.How should the researchers proceed?

Accepted Answer

Offering the family understandable information about their role in the research (B) and discussing how the findings of the research will be applied (D) are ethical ways to address the family's concerns and potentially gain their informed consent for participation. These approaches respect the autonomy of the family members and provide them with the necessary information to make an informed decision about their participation.

Question 9

Newborn screening reveals that a baby is positive for the gene causing a genetic disorder.How should the nurse help the parents interpret this finding?

Accepted Answer

Newborn screening is not a diagnosis, but rather a screening tool to identify babies who may be at risk for certain genetic disorders. A positive result on newborn screening does not necessarily mean that the baby has the disorder, but rather indicates that further diagnostic testing should be done. It is important for the nurse to help the parents understand the purpose of screening and the need for further testing to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

Question 10

The mother of a child with a severe genetic disorder experiences chronic sorrow.The nurse providing care for this family would be especially alert to manifestations of sorrow at which times?

Accepted Answer

These times are significant because they are milestones or special occasions when the family might acutely feel the impact of the child's condition. The child's birthday and holidays are moments of reflection and celebration that can underscore what the child might be missing or the challenges they face. Events like graduations or weddings are significant life milestones that the child may not be able to participate in fully or at all, highlighting the long-term impact of the genetic disorder.

Question 11

The nurse has identified lack of normalcy in a family with a child who has a mild but discernible genetic defect.Which nursing interventions should the nurse plan?

Accepted Answer

A) Advocating for the client's insurance to pay for additional services, B) Educating the teachers at the child's school about the disorder and treatments, and C) Helping to coordinate care among the three clinics the child goes to each month are interventions that support the child and family in managing the genetic defect, ensuring the child receives necessary care and support, and promoting understanding and inclusion in educational settings. D) and E) are not recommended as they could lead to isolation and decreased self-esteem for the child.

Question 12

A client has been diagnosed with a devastating genetic illness.The family is in transition from well family to family with a member who is very ill.Which nursing diagnoses are likely to be applicable to this family?

Accepted Answer

Anticipatory grief is likely as the family anticipates loss. Deficient knowledge may be present as they learn about the illness. Compromised family coping and Interrupted family processes are relevant as they adjust to the new situation.

Question 13

The nurse is preparing to create a pedigree.How should the nurse instruct the client about filling out a standard family history form?

Accepted Answer

A standard family history form is used to collect information about the client's blood relatives, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and offspring. It is important to obtain as much information as possible, such as age, gender, medical conditions, and cause of death, to construct an accurate pedigree. Therefore, choice D is the best option for instructing the client to complete the family history form.

Question 14

A nurse who is new to maternal/child nursing says,"I am shocked at how many of our clients do not allow newborn screening of their infants." How should the nurse manager reply?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse who is new to maternal/child...

Quiz 3: Family Context of Clinical Genetics