A patient tells the nurse that she is concerned about transmitting genetic illne

1 -- A pedigree is a pictorial representation or diagram of the medical history of a family that typically includes three generations. Multiple symbols are utilized to present this picture and the finished pedigree presents a family’s medical data and biologic relationship information at a glance. Since a pedigree provides the nurse, genetic counselor, or geneticist with a clear, visual representation of relationships of affected individuals to the immediate and extended family, it needs to be completed before scheduling a complete genetic analysis or being referred to a geneticist for diagnosis. Conducting a health promotion assessment will not provide information regarding the patient’s risk for passing on genetic illnesses to future children.