Author Question: A patient with a family history of cystic fibrosis (CF) asks for information about genetic testing. ... (Read 109 times)

saliriagwu · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient with a family history of cystic fibrosis (CF) asks for information about genetic testing. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

a. Refer the patient to a qualified genetic counselor.
b. Ask the patient why genetic testing is so important.
c. Remind the patient that genetic testing has many social implications.
d. Tell the patient that cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder.

Question 2

The sister of a patient diagnosed with BRCA generelated breast cancer asks the nurse, Do you think I should be tested for the gene? Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

a. In most cases, breast cancer is not caused by the BRCA gene.
b. It depends on how you will feel if the test is positive for the BRCA gene.
c. There are many things to consider before deciding to have genetic testing.
d. You should decide first whether you are willing to have a bilateral mastectomy.

firehawk60 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
A genetic counselor is best qualified to address the multiple issues involved in genetic testing for a patient who is considering having children. Although genetic testing does have social implications, the woman will be better served by a genetic counselor who will have more expertise in this area. CF is an autosomal recessive disorder, but the patient might not understand the implications of this statement. Asking why the patient feels genetic testing is important may imply to the patient that the nurse is questioning her value system.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
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 record may affect 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 related to BRCA gene mutations, the patient with a BRCA gene mutation has a markedly increased risk for breast cancer.