A patient tells the nurse that her mother has type 2 diabetes and heart problems. The nurse realizes that this information:
1. means that the patient will probably not change her health habits.
2. can help predict the patient's future health problems.
3. helps predict the future health of the patient's children.
4. means that the patient keeps in touch with her parents.
Correct Answer: 2
Even though most individuals do not know their genetic makeup, the nurse can help plan strategies to promote and maintain health for the patient. Family history has long been a part of nursing assessment, but the relative importance of obtaining a family history has recently increased as our knowledge of the interaction of genes and the environment has expanded. In fact, it is an inexpensive first genetic screen, often underused by healthcare professionals. There is no evidence that the patient would not change any health habits. Although the family health history is significant it will not provide a direct prediction for the patient's children and is not the best answer. Information to determine the relationship between the patient and her family is not given.
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