Deck 2: Essential Competencies in Genetics and Genomics

Question 1

A client has been identified as having a strong family history of breast cancer.The health care team recommends genetic testing.The client says,"I am not going to have the testing." Which nursing response is best?

A)"You should get this done.Think about your children."
B)"OK,if that is what you want."
C)"Do you understand the implications of not being tested?"
D)"If I were you,I would have the testing done."

Answer 1

"Do you understand the implications of not being tested?"

Question 2

The nurse executive of a major health care organization would like for all nurses working in the organization to master the essential competencies of genetic/genomic care.What is the best strategy for this nurse to institute?

A)Require that all nurses pass a written examination on the competencies.
B)Have managers ask questions about genetics in all employment interviews.
C)Work with the human resources department to include competencies as part of the job description.
D)Tell nurse managers to emphasize the genetic competencies in annual performance reviews.

Answer 2

Work with the human resources department to include competencies as part of the job description.

Question 3

A hospital has elected to sponsor genetics and genomics education sessions for nurses.Which comment by a nurse would indicate to the manager an understanding of the purpose of this education?

A)"I think we should send the nurses who work in obstetrics first."
B)"So many diseases have a genetic component."
C)"I'm an emergency department nurse.I don't see the point."
D)"I work in the newborn nursery,so I need to go to the first session."

Answer 3

"So many diseases have a genetic component."

Question 4

A public health nurse wishes to improve his ability to integrate genetics and genomics into his practice.To strengthen his foundation knowledge he should choose which college course?

A)Cellular biology
B)Organic chemistry
C)Introduction to sociology
D)Trigonometry

Question 5

The nurse is considering applying for a position on a unit where many of the clients are affected by genetic anomalies.What is the nurse's most important consideration before pursuing this position?

A)Does the nurse want to have children in the future?
B)Will the salary be sufficient compensation for the stress of working on this unit?
C)Will the nurse's safety be considered?
D)What are the nurse's basic feelings about working with clients who have genetic anomalies?

Question 6

A client is advised to undergo genetic testing.The client says,"How will I afford to pay for this?" Which nursing response is best?

A)"I'm sure your insurance company will cover it.Most of them do."
B)"We will work with your insurance company to explain why you need genetic testing."
C)"Genetic studies are not very expensive now."
D)"Payment will be an issue between you and your insurance company."

Question 7

The nurse is writing a grant to fund technologies needed for a state-of-the-art genetics/genomics clinic.Which technologies are necessary for this endeavor?

A)Genetic testing
B)Organ transplantation
C)Genetic bio-banking
D)Genetic screening
E)Genomic bio-banking

Question 8

Which statement by a nurse indicates the most competence in genetic referral activities?

A)"I am not certain if there are any genetics clinics in this area."
B)"I will get you the telephone number of a genetics clinic."
C)"If I call the genetics clinic I may be able to get you an earlier appointment."
D)"You should probably find a genetics clinic for follow-up care."

Question 9

Which factors would the nurse identify as a determinant of health?

A)The client's grandfather and father each had myocardial infarctions before the age of 50.
B)The client purchases groceries at a chain grocery store.
C)The client lives in a state where many people are obese.
D)Noise from a train interrupts the client's sleep several times each night.
E)The client has joined a group at work with the goal of losing 10 pounds over the next 6 months.

Question 10

The nurse educator presented a program on genetics and genomics in health care to nurses and other personnel in several health care organizations.After a few weeks,the nurse wishes to evaluate its effectiveness.Who would give the nurse the best picture of the program's effects?

A)Clients who were cared for after the presentation
B)Chief financial officer
C)Quality assurance director
D)Infection control officer

Question 11

A nurse recording the family history of a newborn identifies that many people in the mother's line and the father's line have died from cancer.What information should the nurse provide for these parents?

A)"Unfortunately,there is little you can do to change the effects of genetics."
B)"You should be certain that your child is not exposed to secondhand smoke."
C)"You need to have your child screened every six months for cancer development."
D)"As your baby grows older,be sure to offer a well-balanced diet."
E)"Your child should be started on immune-enhancing medications at an early age."

Question 12

A client from Brazil is referred to the genetics clinic after experiencing a third spontaneous abortion.What nursing actions are required of the nurse providing education for this client?

A)Make certain all the resource materials are written in Spanish.
B)Assess the client's literacy level prior to providing written materials.
C)Avoid eye contact when talking with the client.
D)Talk with the client about why she is seeking treatment.
E)Include verbal discussion of websites the client can access for additional information.

Question 13

The nurse who wishes to demonstrate competency in genetics and genomics should adopt which strategy?

A)Advocacy for identical services for every ethnic group
B)Identification of information sources useful in keeping current on genetics and genomics issues
C)Use of standardized educational information forms for all clients
D)Support of mandatory genetic testing of all clients admitted for diseases with genetic links