Final answer:
A nurse responding to a query about genetic test results must consider patient confidentiality and disclose results appropriately. If authorized, the nurse can offer general information about the implications of the test; if not authorized, the nurse must direct the individual to obtain proper authorization or speak with the patient directly.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient's daughter asks about the genetic testing results for her mother, the nurse must respond with consideration for the patient's privacy and confidentiality. It is important for healthcare professionals to ensure they follow HIPAA guidelines and only disclose information to individuals who are authorized to receive it. If the daughter is authorized, the nurse should provide the information in a way that is clear and understandable, perhaps saying something like: "The genetic test results have come back. While I am not able to provide a full interpretation, I can tell you that your mother's healthcare team will review them thoroughly. These tests help us understand if your mother has certain genetic mutations that may increase the risk of developing cancer. This would influence how often she should be screened for cancer and at what age screenings should start. The goal is to detect any potential issues as early as possible when they are often more treatable." If the daughter is not authorized to receive the information, the nurse must politely decline to divulge the results, while potentially guiding the daughter on how to obtain the proper authorization or suggesting that they discuss the results with the patient directly.