Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

When should a nurse refer a client to a genetic specialist?

1. When the client has multiple family members diagnosed with different conditions

2. When the client expresses interest in genetic testing

3. When the client has a known genetic disorder in the family

4. When the client presents with vague symptoms

The correct answer is: When the client has a known genetic disorder in the family

Referring a client to a genetic specialist is particularly important when there is a known genetic disorder in the family. This situation usually indicates a higher likelihood of hereditary conditions, where specific genetic counseling and testing could provide significant insights for the client and their relatives. A genetic specialist can assess the risk of inheritance patterns, suggest appropriate testing for the client, and offer guidance on managing potential health issues associated with the genetic disorder. In cases where multiple family members have different conditions, while it may signal a possible genetic component that warrants investigation, the specific context and connection to known genetic disorders would need to be evaluated further to justify a referral. Similarly, although a client’s interest in genetic testing is significant, it does not alone warrant referral unless there are compelling reasons suggesting that the test results could have important implications for the client’s health management. Vague symptoms may indicate the need for further clinical assessment, but they typically would not lead to a referral for genetic evaluation unless those symptoms strongly suggest a genetic condition.