A review of family history reveals that a significant number of a patient's ancestors died very early from cardiac diseases. What is the best use of this information for the patient and the nurse?

Question

1. The patient should avoid stress and exposure to communicable diseases.
2. The patient and the nurse should work together to identify other risk factors and establish a plan for health living.
3. The nurse should prepare the patient for the eventuality of an early death.
4. The nurse should encourage the patient not to have biological children.

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: It will not be possible for the patient to avoid stress. Management of stress is a more realistic goal. It will be impossible to avoid all communicable diseases, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help the body manage any diseases contracted.
Rationale 2: The patient cannot change genetic risk factors but can modify many other risk factors once they are identified. The nurse should assist the patient in developing a healthy lifestyle.
Rationale 3: There is no guarantee of an early death for this patient.
Rationale 4: Even though this patient's family history is significant, the nurse should not try to convince the patient not to have children. The nurse should provide information about risk and support the patient's personal decisions.