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.

Question

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

Answer 1

In assessing a client's ability to give informed voluntary consent for genetic testing, the nurse should consider various factors that could interfere with the client's understanding and ability to make a free choice. The following factors from your list are relevant:

1. Cognitive deficits - These can affect the client's ability to understand the information provided about the genetic testing, its risks, benefits, and implications, thus interfering with informed consent.

2. Opioid analgesic use - Opioids can cause sedation or impair cognition, which might hinder the client's ability to make an informed decision.

3. Language barrier - If the client does not speak the language in which the information is being communicated, they may not fully understand the details necessary to provide informed consent.

4. Hearing deficits - Similar to a language barrier, hearing deficits can prevent the client from receiving all necessary information about the genetic testing, affecting their ability to give informed consent.

The restricted activity level is not necessarily a factor that would interfere with the ability to give informed consent; it refers more to physical capabilities rather than cognitive or communicative abilities.

In summary, the factors that interfere with the ability to give informed voluntary consent are:

• Cognitive deficits
• Opioid analgesic use
• Language barrier
• Hearing deficits