Author Question: A nurse cares for a client who has a specific mutation in the a1AT (alpha1-antitrypsin) gene. Which ... (Read 118 times)

student77 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse cares for a client who has a specific mutation in the a1AT (alpha1-antitrypsin) gene. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Teach the client to perform monthly breast self-examinations and schedule an annual mammogram.
b. Support the client when she shares test results and encourages family members to be screened for cancer.
c. Advise the client to limit exposure to secondhand smoke and other respiratory irritants.
d. Obtain a complete health history to identify other genetic problems associated with this gene mutation.

Question 2

A nurse cares for a client who has a genetic mutation that increases the risk for colon cancer. The client states that he does not want any family to know about this result. How should the nurse respond?

a. It is required by law that you inform your siblings and children about this result so that they also can be tested and monitored for colon cancer.
b. It is not necessary to tell your siblings because they are adults, but you should tell your children so that they can be tested before they decide to have children of their own.
c. It is not required that you tell anyone about this result. However, your siblings and children may also be at risk for colon cancer and this information might help them.
d. It is your decision to determine with whom, if anyone, you discuss this test result. However, you may be held liable if you withhold this information and a family member gets colon cancer.

mk6555 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The a1AT gene mutation increases risk for developing early-onset emphysema. Clients should be advised to limit exposure to smoke and other respiratory irritants as a means of decreasing environmental influences that may aggravate an early onset of emphysema. This gene mutation does not promote cancer, nor does it occur with other identified genetic problems. The BRCA1 gene mutation gives the client a higher risk for developing breast cancer.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
This situation represents an ethical dilemma. It is the client's decision whether to disclose the information. However, the information can affect others in the client's family. The law does not require the client to tell family members about the results, nor can the client be held liable for not telling them. The nurse may consider it ethically correct for the client to tell family members so that they can take action to prevent the development of cancer, but the nurse must respect the client's decision.