Deck 8: Genomics and Family Nursing Across the Life Span

Question 1

A married couple arrives for an appointment for genetic testing after discovery of genetic diseases in their family histories. What should the nurse explain about genetic conditions to this couple?

A) They always become worse as a person ages.
B) They can be attributed to a mutation in a gene.
C) They are commonly presented in newborn infants.
D) They are diagnosed after recognizing a genetic condition in a family.

Answer 1

They can be attributed to a mutation in a gene.

Question 2

The nurse cares for a family who has a member with Huntington's disease. What should the nurse realize about the other family members?

A) They are not at risk for the disease.
B) They are likely to avoid predictive testing.
C) They are likely to have various opinions about predictive testing.
D) They are likely to request predictive testing.

Answer 2

They are likely to have various opinions about predictive testing.

Question 3

The nurse learns that a disease is present in more than one generation of a family. What does this suggest to the nurse?

A) A genetic disease is present.
B) The family may have either a biologically or environmentally based genetic disease or a combination of both.
C) The family should be assessed for environmental risk factors.
D) The family does not have a genetic disease.

Answer 3

The family may have either a biologically or environmentally based genetic disease or a combination of both.

Question 4

The nurse receives information about the Human Genome Project. Which phrase does the nurse identify as accurately defining the human genome?

A) Alterations in genetic material
B) A chromosome that is not a sex chromosome
C) The complete set of genetic material that makes an organism
D) The predictor of the pattern of inherited genes and chromosomes

Question 5

A family learns that their newborn has a genetic anomaly. Which statement best describes what genes control?

A) Major organs of the body
B) Personality characteristics of a person
C) Ability to learn across the life span
D) Functions of the human body at the cellular level

Question 6

The nurse plans to attend a continuing education program for genetics. In which situations will the nurse use this knowledge?

A) In all health care settings
B) When caring for childbearing families
C) Only after being credentialed as a genetics nurse
D) After a genetic condition is diagnosed in a family

Question 7

The nurse notes that through genetic testing, a female carrier of an X-linked condition has one normal copy of the gene on the X chromosome and one mutated copy of the gene on the other X chromosome. What should this indicate to the nurse?

A) All children will be affected.
B) No children will be affected.
C) Sons will have a 50% chance of having the condition.
D) Daughters will have a 50% chance of having the condition.

Question 8

After giving birth to a newborn with a genetic disorder, the new mother asks when identification of genetic disorders can occur. How should the nurse respond? Select all that apply.

A) After birth
B) Before conception
C) Before receiving medication
D) During an acute or chronic illness
E) After experiencing a medication reaction

Question 9

The nurse is preparing a unit-based in-service on genetic diseases. Which key ethical concept should the nurse emphasize during this in-service?

A) Grieving
B) Caring
C) Caregiving
D) Confidentiality

Question 10

A family in the community has an inherited genetic disorder. What should the nurse realize about this family and their associated family members?

A) All family members should learn about the genetic disorder.
B) All family members should receive testing for the condition.
C) The diagnosed family member(s) may not want to discuss the genetic information with the rest of the family.
D) Family members will have the same response when learning about the genetic aspects of the condition.

Question 11

The nurse notes that a family has a high need for certainty about a possible genetic condition. What should the nurse expect this family to do?

A) Follow a set of family norms and values
B) Learn about the genetic condition
C) Negotiate changes in family roles with key family members
D) Avoid discussing genetic information with biological relatives

Question 12

A female learns of a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. What should the nurse identify as being the first line of defense for this person to be?

A) More frequent mammograms to detect early cell changes
B) Radical mastectomy to prevent the development of cancer
C) Counseling to consider adoption to decrease the spread of breast cancer
D) Grief and end-of-life counseling for family members experiencing breast cancer

Question 13

A participant in a community health program asks how genetic diseases occur. What should the nurse include about genetic diseases in the response?

A) They are X-linked disorders.
B) They are diseases caused by environmental factors that family members share.
C) They are diseases caused by biological conditions inherited from family members.
D) They are diseases caused by biological and environmental factors that family members share.