Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

How does a nurse effectively apply genetic knowledge during a client's assessment?

1. Constructing a pedigree from a collected family history

2. Identifying a client who may benefit from genetic counseling

3. Referring a client to specialized genetic services

4. Incorporating knowledge of genomic risk factors

The correct answer is: Constructing a pedigree from a collected family history

Constructing a pedigree from a collected family history is an effective way for a nurse to apply genetic knowledge during a client's assessment. A pedigree provides a visual representation of family relationships and helps to illustrate the inheritance patterns of genetic conditions. By gathering and analyzing a detailed family history, the nurse can identify potential genetic disorders or predispositions within the family, which is crucial for risk assessment and offering appropriate interventions. This method not only assists in recognizing hereditary patterns but also facilitates communication and understanding between the healthcare provider and the client regarding the implications of family history on health outcomes. The creation of a pedigree serves as a foundational step that can lead to further exploration of genetic counseling needs or referrals, but it's the construction of the pedigree itself that directly reflects the effective application of genetic knowledge during assessment.