CGC Genetic Counseling Communication & Education 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which communication technique is most effective when disclosing a pathogenic variant result to a patient?
- Use technical jargon to demonstrate expertise
- Deliver information in small chunks with pauses to check understanding (Correct answer)
- Provide all information at once to be efficient
- Avoid emotional language entirely
Correct answer: Deliver information in small chunks with pauses to check understanding
Chunking information and checking understanding allows patients to process difficult news more effectively.
Question 2: In the context of genetic counseling, 'nondirectiveness' primarily means the counselor should:
- Refuse to give any recommendations
- Support client autonomy without imposing the counselor's values (Correct answer)
- Always present options neutrally without any guidance
- Avoid discussing the emotional aspects of a diagnosis
Correct answer: Support client autonomy without imposing the counselor's values
Nondirectiveness means supporting patient autonomy and self-determination rather than directing patients toward specific choices.
Question 3: A patient with limited health literacy is seen for BRCA testing counseling. The BEST approach is to:
- Use the same materials as with all patients
- Simplify explanations and use visual aids to confirm understanding (Correct answer)
- Refer the patient to a specialist in health literacy
- Postpone counseling until literacy improves
Correct answer: Simplify explanations and use visual aids to confirm understanding
Adapting communication with plain language and visual aids ensures informed consent and comprehension regardless of literacy level.
Question 4: The 'teach-back' method is used in genetic counseling to:
- Train the counselor on new techniques
- Verify that the patient has understood the information provided (Correct answer)
- Teach patients how to counsel family members
- Review previously covered session material
Correct answer: Verify that the patient has understood the information provided
Teach-back confirms comprehension by asking patients to explain information back in their own words.
Question 5: When counseling a patient from a different cultural background regarding a hereditary condition, the genetic counselor should FIRST:
- Assume cultural beliefs will not affect decision-making
- Ask the patient about their cultural values and beliefs related to genetics (Correct answer)
- Proceed with standard counseling and adjust only if resistance is encountered
- Request a formal cultural competency consult
Correct answer: Ask the patient about their cultural values and beliefs related to genetics
Eliciting cultural context upfront ensures counseling is respectful, relevant, and effective for each individual patient.
Question 6: A genetic counselor is writing a patient letter after a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) result. The letter should primarily:
- State that the result is likely pathogenic for future planning
- Explain what a VUS means and emphasize the need for reclassification follow-up (Correct answer)
- Reassure the patient the result is normal
- Recommend immediate prophylactic surgery
Correct answer: Explain what a VUS means and emphasize the need for reclassification follow-up
A VUS letter must clearly define the uncertain nature of the result and establish a plan for monitoring reclassification updates.
CGC Genetic Counseling Communication & Education 1
Which communication technique is most effective when disclosing a pathogenic variant result to a patient?