A genetics nurse is working with a couple undergoing genetic ...

[Frost2351]

A genetics nurse is working with a couple undergoing genetic counseling. The nurse would evaluate that goals for counseling have been met when the couple
 
  a. decides not to have children because of the chance of genetic illness.
  b. is able to consider consequences of testing without cultural influences.
  c. makes informed decisions regarding testing and subsequent actions.
  d. understands a particular genetic illness and how it can be transmitted.

Question 2

A nurse is working with a patient whose ethnic background emphasizes collective family decision making. The nurse needs to teach this patient self-care of diabetes, including how to take blood glucose readings and adjust insulin doses.
 
  The best action for the nurse to take in this situation is to
  a. confirm the patient's beliefs in this cultural value.
  b. discuss the family's wishes to be involved in care.
  c. plan to include both patient and family in teaching.
  d. wait for family to come before teaching the patient.

[emsimon14]

Answer to Question 1

C
The couple who is able to make informed decisions regarding testing and subsequent activities has benefitted greatly from genetic counseling.
The couple may decide not to have children, but a specific decision one way or the other does not show that goals for the genetic counseling have been met. The goal is not to convince the couple not to have children but rather to help the couple make an informed decision.
Genetic counseling is done considering the ethical, social, and medical consequences of decisions. Making decisions in a cultural vacuum might well cause this couple more stress and anxiety.
The couple demonstrating an understanding of a particular genetic illness does not necessarily mean that the goals of counseling have been met. This is a narrow bit of information.

Answer to Question 2

A
Although knowledge about specific cultural beliefs is invaluable when working with patients from diverse cultures, the nurse should always confirm the patient's beliefs and values with the patient.
Before discussing the family's wishes, the nurse needs to know the patient's wishes, which would involve clarifying the patient's cultural values.
The nurse may well include both patient and family in the teaching, but this option assumes that both patient and family want to be involved and that the patient agrees to their involvement. It is better to clarify with the patient first.
Waiting for the family to come before beginning to teach the patient means the nurse has assumed what the patient and family want. The nurse should clarify the patient's beliefs and values before going further.