Question

Screening tests for genetic issues can be performed in the first trimester, second trimester or both trimesters. Carrier testing is also an option performed prior to or during pregnancy. Carrier testing provides information as to whether one or both parents are carriers for certain inherited disorders. The results of these tests are used to determine an appropriate plan of care for the patient.

Genetic testing of the fetus and the parents offer both opportunities and ethical challenges. As a Registered Nurse, you need to be aware of your own feelings to provide non-biased professional support.

Compose a response to the following:

Implications of genetic testing and the role of the registered nurse in providing support to a couple seeking guidance. Provide one example of how genetic testing is used in the reproductive (preconception, conception, pregnancy) setting.

Consider if the registered nurse has the right to refuse to care for patients who choose termination of a pregnancy based on genetic testing when it conflicts with the ethics and values of the nurse.

Discuss how medical, economic, or psychosocial issues might impact decision making relative to genetic testing.

Base your initial post on your readings and research on this topic. Your initial post must contain a minimum of 250 words. References, citations, and repeating the question do not count towards the 250-word minimum.

Answer 1

Genetic testing provides information regarding individuals chromosome and proteins,thus it helps to rule out whether the individual has any suspected genetic abnormalities.

the ethical,legal andsocial implications of genetic testing are:

Autonomy

Privacy

Confidentiality

Equity

Role of nurse in genetic testing:

1. Collect the family history of the patients and identify any inherited disease in the family
2. Educate the couples regarding inherited disease conditions,its treatment,prevention and resources
3. Explain regarding the benefits and limitations of the genetic testing
4. Non-directive support to the couples in decision making

Genetic testing has important role in preconception, conception and during pregnancy

In preconception:

Many couples opted for preconceptional counselling for a safe pregnancy and safe baby.the test is carriedv out before the woman gets pregnant and identify the chance of their baby having any severe genetic conditions. These genetic disease are mainly due to certain anomalies in the genes.

For eg: If couples planning for pregnancy, consult an obstetrician. doctor collect their family history and medical history and determine what sort of carrier testing has to be done. based on that blood sampling will do for the woman, if the result shows positive partner also send for testing and based on the result further decision will be taken with the help of genetic counsellor

during pregnancy:

In case of unplanned pregnancies the doctors opt for prenatal genetic screening test to identify whether the fetus has any genetic disorders. The genetic testing is mainly conducted in the first and second trimester .this is to identify trisomy ,aneuploidy,sickle cell anemia through chorionic villai sampling, amniocentesis

The primary goal of genetic testing is welllbeing of the baby. If the couples take decision on termination of pregnancy based on the genetic testing its all about them, the nurse role is only providing a guidence or a non- directive support to the couple.

medical,economic and psychosocial issues can cause a impact on decision making.

when the genetic results become positive it will create anxiety depression to the partners based on sudden emotions they take decision without thinking. here the nurse and the patients family need to provide full support throughout their traetment regimen to take a better decision

While considetring treatment plans the nurse has to consider the patients economic status, whether they can afford the further cost of treatment