Question

   QUESTION (answer all parts of the question in a MINIMUM of 2 paragraphs, using in-text citations and references). Refer to the Genetic-Genomic Nursing Competencies and the ANA Code of Ethics, and any other current professional nursing literature you choose to include.

Answers should be double-spaced, in paragraph format, with complete sentences and proper grammar.

If the fetus is diagnosed with CF and Lisa chooses to terminate her pregnancy, after being properly educated and counseled about the risks, what is the nurse’s role and how should the nurse respond? How should the nurse respond if the nurse personally does not agree with Lisa's decision?

What ethical principles are involved? Reference the ANA’s (2015) Code of Ethics (available here, or copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/CodeofEthicsforNurses/Code-of-Ethics-For-Nurses.html and other resources, as needed. Include this source in proper format as a reference.

Lisa may or may not want to have children in the future. Should the nurse refer Lisa to any outside resources? If so, what resources would be appropriate?

Answer 1

CYSTIC FIBROSIS: is a life-threatening and an autosomal recessive disease, caused by mutations of a gene on chromosome 7 which encodes for a sodium chloride channel in the membranes of epithelial cells. A child with CF may have thickened, heavy sticky mucus, salty sweat and thickened digestive juices.

NURSES ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES: a) the nurse should assess the knowledge of the parent about the disease condition of the fetus. b) the nurse should give information about the complications of having a CF child to the mother. c) the nurse should help the mother in reducing her stress related to termination of pregnancy d) the nurse should provide emotional support throughout the entire hospital stay.

HOW SHOULD THE NURSE RESPOND IF THE NURSE PERSONALLY DOES NOT AGREE WITH LISA'S DECISION? a) The nurse should explain the treatment plan to the mother. b) the nurse should explain about the control measures if she given birth to the baby. For instance, diet, exercise, antibiotic treatment and further possible management care. c) the nurse should support and encourage the mother to continue with her pregnancy d) the nurse should assess the knowledge about the termination of pregnancy e) the nurse should educate about the long-term problems related to abortion ( future pregnancy) f) the nurse should make aware of the mother and the family about the advancement in medical sciences and treatment plan.

WHAT ETHICAL PRINCIPLES ARE INVOLVED IN TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY? Every human has the inherent right to life. Right to life is inherent in a person, a humanbeing. Abortion is one of the controversial issues discussed in medical ethics. The opponents of abortion argue as a) fetus has to be regarded as human being b) killing an innocent human being is morally wrong c) aborting is an example of killing and terminating a human being's life. If one is opposed to abortion, one is committed to some set of values, which requires that women who become pregnant must endure the process of pregnancy and burth, no matter how distressing, painful and risky it is for them. There are four principles of care of ethics. They are a) principle of respect or autonomy b) Principle of non-maleficence c) Principle of beneficence and d) Principle of justice.

RESOURCES: There are more resources to find and afford help with needs such as mental health and family counselling or prenatal and childbirth care after an abortion. The nurse can refer her to a counselling department to support with her emotions and to think of having a second pregnancy. She can also help by her family members in reducing her emotions.