During the Assess step of genetic counseling, which activity is performed?

• A. Provide credible, accurate, appropriate and current information to facilitate decision-making
• B. Identify information specific to client needs and facilitate referrals
• C. Diagnose genetic conditions
• D. Elicit a 3-generation family tree using standardized symbols/terminology

Answer: (D)

The Assess step centers on gathering essential information about the client’s family and medical history, using a clear, structured method to map relationships and inheritance patterns. Eliciting a three-generation family tree with standardized symbols and terminology is the classic way to capture this data. The pedigree visually shows who is affected, how conditions may be inherited, and who might be at risk, guiding risk assessment and next steps in testing or management.

Other activities described—providing information to aid decision-making, identifying specific client needs and arranging referrals, or diagnosing conditions—serve other parts of genetic counseling. The explicit creation of a detailed family pedigree during assessment is the defining task here.