Upon the completion of genetic testing, a patient is happy to ...

[Pineapplelove6]

Upon the completion of genetic testing, a patient is happy to learn that she has a negative test result. The nurse then explains to the patient that
 
  1. she will never experience a genetically-caused disease.
  2. any children she has will be free from genetic diseases.
  3. her children might develop disease from genetic misplacement of chromosomes.
  4. this is no guarantee that she will not develop the disease.

Question 2

A patient tells the nurse that her husband has chronic myelogenous leukemia, and she is concerned that their children will inherit that genetic disorder. How should the nurse respond to this patient?
 
  1. The genetic makeup that created the chronic myelogenous leukemia in your husband is not inheritable.
  2. I would be concerned, too.
  3. Maybe you should re-think having children.
  4. It could cause the same disorder, but it's a decision that you will have to make.

[AmberC1996]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4

A negative test result cannot guarantee that the disease or condition might not develop in the future. The patient's children may experience random chromosomal abnormalities, which are seen in the rest of the population.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

The chromosome translocation that is responsible for chronic myelogenous leukemia occurs in somatic cells, not germ cells, and therefore is not inheritable. All other responses are offering advice, which is not in the best interest of the patient and her family and is not considered therapeutic communication.