Question

A nurse is assessing a client's ability to give informed voluntary consent for genetic testing. Which of the following would the nurse identify as interfering with this ability? Select all that apply.

Cognitive deficits Hearing deficits Restricted activity level Language barrier Opioid analgesic use

Answer 1

When assessing a client's ability to give informed voluntary consent for genetic testing, the nurse should consider the factors that may interfere with the client's understanding and ability to communicate their decision effectively. The following factors from the options provided could interfere with the client's ability to give informed consent:

1. **Cognitive deficits** - This would affect the client's understanding of the information provided about genetic testing and the implications of the results.

2. **Hearing deficits** - If the client has difficulty hearing, this could hinder their ability to understand the information being communicated, impacting their ability to give informed consent.

3. **Language barrier** - If the client does not fully understand the language in which the information is provided, this could significantly impede their comprehension of the consent process.

4. **Opioid analgesic use** - Opioids can affect cognitive function, which may impair the client's ability to understand information and make an informed decision.

The **restricted activity level** may not directly affect the cognitive or communicative abilities required for informed consent, so it may not necessarily be a significant factor in this context.

Thus, the factors that the nurse would identify as interfering with the ability to give informed voluntary consent are:
- Cognitive deficits
- Hearing deficits
- Language barrier
- Opioid analgesic use