A patient is being interviewed by the nurse. During the family history assessment, the patient reports having had relatives with cancer. Which is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Completing a pedigree allows for a visual representation of the family's health history.
2. Noting the types of cancer and affected relatives helps identify patterns and potential genetic risks.
3. This response demonstrates a proactive approach to understanding the patient's genetic predispositions.
Summary of other choices:
B: Asking about the gender of affected relatives does not provide as much detailed information about the types of cancer or specific family members affected.
C: Determining relevance to personal history is important, but a pedigree provides a broader picture for risk assessment.
D: Referring to a genetic counselor may be necessary but completing a pedigree first helps gather essential information for a more informed consultation.