207Activity 13: Correcting Misinformation (Dyads)
Pairs of students practice writing responses to correct some common patient misper-
ceptions listed below:
- Since there is only one affected person in the family, the condition cannot be
genetic. - If there is more than one affected person, it must be genetic.
- The mother did something during her pregnancy that caused the condition in the
child. - A patient will inherit a family condition because she/he looks like an affected
family member. - If all affected people in the family are of one gender, the other gender cannot be
affected; the condition must be sex linked. - Diseases skip generations.
- Birth order affects the risk.
Process
In a large group, members can discuss and give and receive feedback about their
responses.
Estimated time: 60 min.
7.7 Written Exercises
Exercise 1: Risk Communication
The following scenarios provide information about particular patients and their
genetic risks. For each scenario identify risks that need to be communicated and
what factors might impact their risk. How would you approach risk communication
in each case?
- The patient is a 43-year-old woman, 11 weeks pregnant. This is her first preg-
nancy; she has a history of infertility for 7–8 years. She works as an elementary
school teacher. Her husband is a foreman for a plumbing company. He is of
Italian descent; she is of Irish/English descent. She was referred by her obstetri-
cian for discussion of prenatal screening and testing options. - The patient has a family history of pancreatic and breast cancer. Her mother had
breast cancer in her 40s, was successfully treated, and is currently 54 years old.
The patient’s maternal aunt and a maternal first cousin both died of pancreatic
cancer. The patient, in her early 30s, wants to know her risks. - A young couple comes for prenatal counseling. The man’s sister has a son with
Lesch-Nyhan syndrome. He wants to know if his children are at risk of having
the disorder.
7.7 Written Exercises