CGC Genetic Counseling Communication & Education 3

Question 1

When presenting recurrence risk statistics to a patient, which format is generally MOST effective for understanding?

Accepted Answer

Natural frequencies (e.g., 1 in 4 chance)

Answer

Percentages only (e.g., 25%)

Answer

Verbal descriptions only (e.g., 'low risk')

Answer

Odds ratios (e.g., 3:1)

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of the 'empathy' skill in genetic counseling?

Accepted Answer

Reflecting the patient's emotional state by saying 'This sounds incredibly overwhelming'

Answer

Saying 'I know exactly how you feel'

Answer

Offering immediate reassurance that everything will be okay

Answer

Changing the subject to reduce patient distress

Question 3

A genetic counselor uses the phrase 'positive result' when reporting an elevated carrier frequency finding. This language is problematic because:

Accepted Answer

Patients may interpret 'positive' as good news, causing misunderstanding

Answer

It is too technical for most patients

Answer

It doesn't specify the gene involved

Answer

Carrier status should never be disclosed verbally

Question 4

Which counseling approach focuses on exploring and resolving ambivalence about genetic testing decisions?

Accepted Answer

Motivational interviewing

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Answer

Psychodynamic counseling

Answer

Exposure therapy

Question 5

A patient declines recommended genetic testing. The genetic counselor's BEST response is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect the decision, document it, and leave the door open for future discussion

Answer

Encourage the patient to reconsider by emphasizing the benefits

Answer

Refer the patient to another provider who may be more persuasive

Answer

Request an ethics consultation

Question 6

Which of the following is a key difference between genetic counseling and genetic testing?

Accepted Answer

Genetic counseling addresses the psychological and informational needs surrounding genetic information, while testing provides molecular data

Answer

Genetic counseling is performed only by physicians

Answer

Genetic testing always includes counseling as part of the process

Answer

Genetic counseling requires laboratory credentials