Author Question: A patient tells the nurse that she does not want to pass on a disease that is genetic in origin to ... (Read 81 times)

luminitza · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient tells the nurse that she does not want to pass on a disease that is genetic in origin to any future children. How should the nurse respond to this patient?

1. A complete genetic study could help guide you in your decision making.
2. I suppose, then, that you are not going to have any children.
3. Adoption is always a possibility.
4. Are you sure that the disease is genetic in origin?

Question 2

A patient expresses concern about transmitting genetic illnesses to any future children. What can the nurse do to help the patient determine which diseases might be transmitted?

1. Complete a pedigree.
2. Conduct a health promotion assessment.
3. Schedule for a complete genetic analysis.
4. Refer to a geneticist for diagnosis.

xthemafja · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

Findings from genetic research can be used by patients and family members to improve their own health and prevent illness. According to the ANA/ISONG, all registered nurses must have an understanding of genetics to identify, support, and care for patients who have or who may transmit genetic conditions. It is premature to suggest adoption or refraining from having children until the genetic study is completed. Questioning whether a specific disease is genetic in origin may be helpful, but may not allay the patient's concerns about other diseases.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

A pedigree is a pictorial representation or diagram of the medical history of a family that typically includes three generations. Multiple symbols are utilized to present this picture and the finished pedigree presents a family's medical data and biologic relationship information at a glance. Since a pedigree provides the nurse, genetic counselor, or geneticist with a clear, visual representation of relationships of affected individuals to the immediate and extended family, it needs to be completed before scheduling a complete genetic analysis or being referred to a geneticist for diagnosis. Conducting a health promotion assessment will not provide information regarding the patient's risk for passing on genetic illnesses to future children.