Psychosocial & Ethical Issues in Genetics Flashcards

A client's adult sister asks the counselor for the client's BRCA1 result, but the client has not consented to disclosure. What is the most appropriate response?

Answer: Decline to disclose and encourage the client to share the result with family

Confidentiality belongs to the client, so the counselor should not disclose without consent but can encourage and support family communication.

Which ethical principle is most directly honored when a counselor presents options without steering the client toward a particular decision?

Answer: Autonomy

Respecting autonomy means supporting the client's right to make informed, self-determined choices.

A parent asks to have a healthy 8-year-old tested for adult-onset Huntington disease. According to professional guidelines, what is the best recommendation?

Answer: Defer testing until the child is an adult and can decide for themself

Predictive testing for adult-onset conditions without childhood medical benefit should generally be deferred to preserve the child's future autonomy.

In the United States, which law prohibits health insurers and employers from discriminating based on genetic information but does NOT cover life, disability, or long-term care insurance?

Answer: GINA

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act covers health insurance and employment only, leaving life, disability, and long-term care insurance uncovered.

A client with a newly diagnosed hereditary condition reports guilt about possibly passing it on to children. Which concept best describes this reaction?

Answer: Survivor guilt or transmission guilt

Guilt over transmitting a genetic condition is a common psychosocial response that counselors should normalize and explore.

Which of the following best describes the 'duty to warn' dilemma in genetic counseling?

Answer: Balancing client confidentiality against potential serious harm to at-risk relatives

The duty to warn weighs confidentiality against preventing serious, foreseeable, preventable harm to identifiable relatives.

Which approach is most consistent with nondirectiveness in prenatal counseling?

Answer: Providing balanced information and exploring the client's own values

Nondirective counseling gives accurate, balanced information and supports the client's values-based decision.