Deck 16: Genetics and Genomics in Professional Nursing

Question 1

A nurse is seeing a patient for a wellness checkup and collects data on the patient's family history of medical problems.The nurse would evaluate that goals for related teaching have been met when the patient states,

A) "Exercise is important for me because I lead such a sedentary lifestyle already."
B) "I have a family history of heart disease, so I must make heart-healthy choices."
C) "I know now that my mother's breast cancer does not really impact me."
D) "The chances of developing a disease are not greater if a relative has had it."

Answer 1

"I have a family history of heart disease, so I must make heart-healthy choices."

Question 2

A genetics nurse explains to a patient that pharmacogenetics is the study of:

A) how individuals respond uniquely to medications.
B) the effects of drug therapy on developing fetuses.
C) the way drugs interact with reproductive ability.
D) using genetic material to create new pharmaceuticals.

Answer 2

how individuals respond uniquely to medications.

Question 3

A patient wants to know where to find a certified genetic counselor.The best response by the nurse would be to refer the patient to:

A) a private direct-to-consumer testing company.
B) the Internet to conduct a web-based search.
C) the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
D) the primary care physician for a formal referral.

Answer 3

the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Question 4

A patient wants to enroll in a research study that involves genetic testing but is worried that if the insurance carrier gets the results, coverage could be denied if the results showed a high risk for developing an expensive health problem.The nurse should explain that:

A) insurers cannot use research participants' genetic information against them.
B) research companies would not sell or otherwise share their participants' results.
C) this is a valid concern and has been the topic of several recent costly lawsuits.
D) there is legislation pending on this topic, but no law currently addresses this.

Question 5

The nurse studying genomics explains to another nurse that the era between the 1950s and 1980s was notable for:

A) creation of medications tailored to genetics.
B) developing tests for some genetic conditions.
C) passage of a genetic nondiscrimination act.
D) the complete mapping of the human genome.

Question 6

A couple wanting to start a family is concerned about possible ethnically related genetic disorders.The nurse would advise this couple to undergo:

A) carrier testing.
B) diagnostic testing.
C) genetic counseling.
D) genetic variability testing.

Question 7

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 8

The nursing instructor explains the Essentials of Genetic and Genomic Nursing: Competencies, Curricula Guidelines, and Outcome Indicators.What information does the faculty member include? (Select all that apply.)

A) Fifty nursing organizations laid the foundation for the first edition published in 2005.
B) Creates nursing responsibilities outside the traditional scope of practice boundaries.
C) Outlines the minimum genetics and genomics competencies needed by all registered nurses.
D) Provides funding information for nurses interested in genetic and genomic research activities.
E) Requires advanced practice nurses in all fields to have a set of minimum competencies.

Question 9

A young adult patient whose family history contains many first- and second-degree relatives who have had colon cancer wants to know if yearly colonoscopies would be a good idea.The best response by the nurse would be to encourage the patient to:

A) ask the physician about the colonoscopies.
B) not worry because risks are low at his or her age.
C) search for a company to provide screening.
D) talk to the doctor about genetic screening.

Question 10

The nurse knows that the science of all the genes in the human genome, along with their interactions with each other, the environment, and other influences, is known as the study of:

A) genes.
B) genetics.
C) genomics.
D) inheritance.

Question 11

A patient comes to the clinic and is worried about developing a neurological condition seen in the patient's mother and aunt.The best action by the nurse is to:

A) conduct a thorough neurological examination on the patient.
B) develop a multigenerational family health history (pedigree).
C) have the patient voice these concerns to the physician.
D) refer the patient to a genetic counselor immediately.

Question 12

A nurse is explaining to a student that the benefits of genomic health care include: (Select all that apply.)

A) health care tailored to each person's unique needs.
B) insurance discounts for those with few genetic risks.
C) mandated coverage for any genetic screening done.
D) treatments that are maximally effective for patients.
E) understanding how disease affected past generations.

Question 13

A patient wishes to construct a family medical history but does not know how to begin.The best response by the nurse would be to:

A) have the patient use the U.S.Surgeon General's Family History Tool.
B) interview the patient and try to construct as good a history as possible.
C) refer the patient to a qualified genetics and genomics counselor for help.
D) send the patient home with a list of questions to ask his or her relatives.

Question 14

A patient wants to know if he or she should order some genetic testing from a private firm that has been advertising heavily in the area.The nurse explains that some drawbacks to using a private firm for direct-to-consumer (DTC)genetic testing are: (Select all that apply.)

A) a physician might not accept the findings of the tests.
B) private firms charge far more for testing than hospitals.
C) providers may not have the knowledge to interpret results.
D) the consumer might misunderstand the information.
E) the consumer might order unnecessary genetic tests.