CGC Genetic Counseling Communication & Education 2

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a pedigree in a genetic counseling session?

Accepted Answer

To visually map family medical history and identify inheritance patterns

Answer

Pedigrees systematically capture multigenerational family history to analyze inheritance patterns and identify at-risk relatives.

Question 2

During a session, a patient becomes visibly distressed upon learning about a hereditary cancer risk. The counselor's immediate priority should be:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the patient's emotional response and provide space to process

Answer

Acknowledging distress and creating emotional space is foundational to patient-centered counseling before advancing to clinical information.

Question 3

Which informed consent element is MOST critical when discussing predictive genetic testing for a late-onset condition?

Accepted Answer

The potential psychological impact of knowing one's genetic status

Answer

Predictive testing for late-onset conditions has significant psychological implications that must be addressed as part of informed consent.

Question 4

A genetic counselor suspects a patient has not truly understood the recurrence risk discussed. The BEST next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Use teach-back to reassess and re-explain with different framing

Answer

Reassessing comprehension through teach-back and offering alternative explanations ensures genuine informed understanding.

Question 5

In pediatric genetic counseling, assent from a minor patient is BEST described as:

Accepted Answer

The child's affirmative agreement to participate in testing, considered alongside parental consent

Answer

Assent acknowledges the developing autonomy of minors and is ethically important alongside parental consent, though it is not legally binding.

CGC - Certified Genetic Counselor Practice Test