Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What is one common reason a client may refuse genetic testing?

1. Impact it may have on obtaining health insurance in the future

2. Legal consequences that may result

3. Inaccuracy of the results that are obtained

4. Decreased quality of life that may occur if the results are positive

The correct answer is: Decreased quality of life that may occur if the results are positive

A common reason a client may refuse genetic testing is the concern over decreased quality of life that may occur if the results are positive. Individuals often fear that a positive test may bring about emotional distress, anxiety, or depression as they contemplate the implications of living with knowledge of a genetic predisposition to a particular condition. This concern is deeply rooted in the personal and familial impact that such information can carry, including worries about how it might affect their lifestyle, relationships, and future planning. While the other options reflect valid concerns, they do not encapsulate the emotional and psychological aspects of living with potentially adverse health information. For instance, while issues related to health insurance and legal consequences are important considerations—especially in terms of discrimination—they may not directly relate to the immediate emotional and practical implications of learning one's genetic risks. Similarly, although the accuracy of test results can influence a decision, it is often the perceived emotional burden that drives individuals to decline testing. Thus, the fear of decreased quality of life stands out as a significant motivator in the context of genetic testing refusal.