...GENETIC COUNSELING IN NURSING AND ETHICS Hyang Ko Azusa Pacific University Abstract The current development of genetic information and technique leaves us assignments. It is included ethical issues, roles of nurses, and the responsibilities in healthcare professionals. In order to understand nurses’ role and responsibilities and to provide genetic counseling, two research article with text books were reviewed. There were conflicts within ethical principles and nurses’ obligation. Each principle is important but one principle is superior to others when healthcare professionals make a decision in a certain context. It is necessary that genetic counseling is provided to patients and their family when healthcare professionals deal with genetic information. The two research articles empathized that experienced nurses are excellent candidates in genetic counseling within healthcare professionals by being educated, trained about genetic information. Genetic Counseling in Nursing and Ethics Definitions of Genetics and Genetic Counseling Officially, the terms of Genetics and genetic counseling is defined by Wekipidia as below: Genetics, a discipline of biology, is the science of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetics). Genetic counseling is the process by which patients or relatives, at risk of an inherited disorder, are advised of the consequences and nature of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting...
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...PATIENT AUTONOMY Respecting patient autonomy is dominant to nondirective counseling. It has no requirement to value-neutrality. The counselor’s values are expressed to undermine patients’ ability to make decisions for them. Autonomy respect in genetic counseling requires no greater circumspection about values than in any other counseling in health care (Robert Wachbroit & David Wasserman, 1995). Value neutrality is argued to be neither possible nor desirable but arises from conceptions of fewer objectives and less suitable values for public discourse. Nondirectiveness requires the counselor to adopt the most effective methods in ensuring that the choices of the patients about genetic testing are well informed and voluntary. Patients should be made to understand and appropriately respond to the results of genetic tests and diagnoses. The nondirective approach stipulates that the appropriate response is the one from the patient herself as long as it results from the fact that she understands the facts and reflects her values truly. Nondirective genetic counseling ensures that patients are well aware of genetic risks and their freedom of choosing whether or not to go for testing and ways of responding to positive test results. This is the respect for patient autonomy. On the contrary, value neutrality...
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...Genetic counseling Above the last few years, research and developments in genetics have exceeded our potentials and have changed the approach of thinking of us about health. We know genetics has been involve in newborn screening, pre and postnatal diagnosis, hematological disorders and solid tumour, nearly every disorder is subject in by an individual’s genetic material. Consequently, it is important to consider the effect of genetics for any disorder during a patient’s life. Each disorders have different genetic pattern, and how much genes contribute to disease remains to be learned. Advance development in understanding the genetic changes in these disorders allows early diagnostic tests, advance treatments, or interventions to prevent disease...
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...There a number of factors pertaining to genetic mapping and testing for future health problems that can create dilemmas for both the patient and the health care providers. There is always uncertainty and numerous variables when genes pose the probability of predisposition to certain diseases. As to the procedure in which this problem is addressed one needs “To uncover the patient’s genetic background.” In cases of certain types of cancer, for example, there are four specific traits that suggest it is a wise course to take upon genetic testing of the patients’ family members. This is possible in 60% to 95% of the families of cancer patients. The predictions of genetic testing can reduce apprehension and uncertainly of the tested patient. This predictive genetic testing can be a stress reduces for those who have a family history of hereditary disease. Profound anxiety may occur when gray shades pertaining to the uncertainty of a gene cells propensity to carry a serious disease exists within the family history. This stressful mental frame of is a dilemma unto itself, so psychological counseling may be necessary for some patients. Psychological counseling may apply for ton’s illnesses such as hunting disease (a neuro degenerative disease) as well as certain hereditary forms of cancer and some hereditary heart diseases. “The psychological counseling should be tailored to the specific characteristics of the disease.” A disease with no known care such as Huntington’s disease needs...
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...The result of their study showed that African American and Hispanics believed that alcohol, drugs, or chemicals never cause birth defects (with a mean of 2.95 and 2.36 to each ethnic group respectively). For the Caucasians, they relate birth defects more on the use or exposure to drugs or alcohol while pregnant, breathing or in contact with chemicals, and inheriting chromosomes from parents. For the African American women, behavior during the pregnancy period will greatly affect occurrence of birth defects. They believe that birth defects happen if during pregnancy, the pregnant woman worry about loved one with a disorder, eats the wrong food, watches horror movies, looks at animals, think bad thoughts, worry or felt scared, or, exposed to lunar eclipse. Furthermore, they relate birth defects on casting an evil eye or a spell to a pregnant woman, or god is punishing the parents for the sins they committed. Also, movement of wind or cold air through the pregnant woman’s body, disharmony of the fetus, and handling scissors during pregnancy are other health beliefs they also relate. However, the study showed that African Americans and Hispanics both agree that intercourse during pregnancy is attributed to birth defects, as well (Cohen et.al,...
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...GENETICS CASE STUDY GENETICS CASE STUDY This case study is based on a high-risk pregnancy due to advanced maternal age, genetic test indicating the fetus to have Tay-Sachs Disease and the coping strategies for this family. Rita Trosack is a 43-year old white female, married for six years to husband, Peter, a 46-year old white male. They both work in the financial district of Chicago and live downtown. They have been trying to conceive for two years. They both work an average of sixty hours a week. Rita and Peter were both raised as Catholics; however, they choose not to practice at this time. Rita missed her menstrual period, began having typical signs and symptoms of pregnancy (nausea, dry heaving, tender breasts, and fatigue). The fatigue was so severe she decreased her hours at the bank. An early pregnancy test performed by Rita tested positive. She then calculated her due date as January 27, 2009, since her last menstrual period (LMP) began on April 20, 2008. Rita met with Dr. Zimmerly an obstetrician in a high-risk obstetric clinic. On this first visit he confirmed the estimated date of delivery (EDD) as late January 2009. Due to Rita’s age, the chorionic villus sampling (CVS) was recommended to screen for fetal genetic defects. Rita had the test in early July, which would place her around eleven weeks into her pregnancy; this is the appropriate time in which to perform the CVS. Amniocentesis could have been performed, but this is usually...
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...Conclusion In the systematic analysis of the 23 studies we have highlighted the role of Leventhal’s Common Sense Model (SRM) in the analysis of hereditary / familial cancer and the role of the psycho-social impact on individuals affected by the disease or with high risk for the disease in the screening for hereditary / familial cancer and in the genetic testing and counseling. Thus, we have identified three themes in which we included the analyzed studies: a) identification of the predictors involved in the screening compliance, in the responses to health threats, in emotional distress; b) assessment of the emotional and cognitive impact, of the perceived risk and the perceived disease in genetic testing, of the family history of cancer or...
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...Genetic testing is a scientific process in which an individual’s DNA can be screened for mutations or variations that may cause certain diseases or dysfunctions. It is my opinion that standard genetic testing for disease or the predisposition to disease is purely beneficial. Having clear answers as to whether or not a person may carry a higher risk for some diseases may in fact save their life, or the lives of their current or future children. However, over the years of development of the science, more and more controversial types of testing have developed. In this paper, the science of genetic testing will be introduced by going through a brief history, the different types of genetic testing available, as well as the controversies that surround them. History Genetic testing had a very positive and productive start. The first usage of Genetic Testing occurred over half a century ago, beginning with the testing of infants for PKU, or Phenylketonuria, “an inborn error of metabolism in which an amino acid buildup in the blood causes mental retardation.” (Lewis) To test infants, a drop of blood was taken from their heel while at the hospital after birth. If a child was found positive for PKU, dietary treatment was used to prevent loss of brain function. Testing was reliable and results were accurate. The disease being tested for was easily treatable, and every child that came through was tested without a problem. (Lewis) In the 1970’s, doctors began the process of testing...
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...Adrenoleukodystrophy is an X linked genetic disorder in all males that affect the nervous system and the adrenal glands; these glands are located at the top of each kidney. The fatty covering the spinal cords is prone to deterioration this reduces the ability of the nerves to send important information to the brain. It could also shorten the amount of certain hormones. ALD is caused by a genetic abnormality, commonly referred to as a “genetic mutation”. This affects the X chromosome, otherwise known as an “x-linked” condition. Everyone has two sex chromosomes: women have two X chromosomes and men have an X and a Y chromosome. If a woman inherits the abnormal X chromosome, she still has a normal, second X chromosome to help balance out the effects...
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...MHF Module: Investing In Mental Health Mental Health Worksheet Part 1 Research mental health in a a country other than the United States. An example of a mental heath problem is provided below. |Example: | |According to the World Health Organization (2005) Botswana, Africa, spends only 1% of the country’s health budget on mental health. The | |country does offer locations in communities for the training of mental health nurses. There are also community care facilities for | |patients suffering from mental disorders. However; due to a lack of psychiatrists in the country, the mental health trained nurses are | |responsible for all aspects of mental health services for the population. These nurses are also responsible for training others in mental | |health. According to the World Health Organization there are only 1.1 psychiatric beds per 10,000 people and only .7 beds in mental | |hospitals, the rest being in general hospitals. In 2005, there were only .3 psychologists and 3 social workers per 100,000 people, the | |country did not have any neurologists and doctors had to come from neighboring countries to help with the mental health needs of Botswana. | Select a country and a mental health issues within that contry. Then compose a 150- to 200- word description of the probem (...
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...Genetic testing is currently available for more than 1000 conditions, and it is increasingly considered an integral component of mainstream health care (Burke, 2004). Furthermore, many genetic tests are now being marketed directly to consumers. The increased availability of genetic testing may result in a wider distribution of the benefits of testing, such as decreased uncertainty, the chance to avoid passing on a gene mutation to future generations, increased psychological well-being, and greater awareness of available treatments or risk-reducing strategies, but it may also contribute to an increase in the risks associated with genetic testing, such as decreased individual and family well-being; increased depression, anxiety, guilt, stigmatization, discrimination, and family conflict; and unnecessary or inappropriate use of risk-reducing options (Riper & Gallo, 2005). Money is maybe the most important driving force in the modern era of biotechnology. Genome and genetic findings have been given also financial value. The possibility to test for genetically-based individual susceptibility provides new ideas for marketable products. In an industrial worker, a metabolic polymorphism that causes an increased risk for cancer would create an avoidable financial burden in industry and insurance companies. The involvement of such financial aspects brings along several ethical implications in genetic research. The first aspect is the motivation of scientists that...
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...Dr. Simon Nyaga Office: Dixon 213 Phone: 443-885-3636 Email: Simon.Nyaga@morgan.edu Office Hours: MF 12:30-1:30 PM or by appointment Course Description: Introductory biology is a gateway course worth 4 credits specifically designed for non-biology majors. This is course covers major topics in biology shown below. The following general biology topics are thoroughly explored and discussed: the scientific method of solving problems, chemistry of cellular macromolecules, cellular structure and function, energy flow in cells with emphasis on respiration and photosynthesis, biotechnology and its application (emphasis on structure and function of nucleic acids), chromosomes and cell division and finally winds up a study of the basis of heredity (Genetics). In addition, evolution and its role in the creation of diversity are also thoroughly discussed. Textbook and Course Materials: What Is Life: A Guide to Biology, 2nd edition (with Prep U) by Jay Phelan published by; W. H. Freeman and Company, New York. Information on how to access Bioportal is to be found on the separate card which comes with the textbook. A used book will not enable you to access Bioportal and therefore no access to Prep-U and learning Curve quizzes. These quizzes have been shown to improve mastery of the course material and typically students who use Pre-U do better in the course. Laboratory Manual: Biology 1 Laboratory Manual (6th edition), Morgan State University, Published by Heyden-McNeil Publishing...
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...the science of mind and behavior 2 a : the mental or behavioral characteristics of an individual or group b : the study of mind and behavior in relation to a particular field of knowledge or activity 3 : a theory or system of psychology <Freudian psychology> <the psychology of Jung> — psy·chol·o·gist noun See psychology defined for English-language learners » See psychology defined for kids » Examples of PSYCHOLOGY She studied psychology in college. the psychology of an athlete the psychology of crowd behavior We need to understand the psychologies of the two people involved in the incident. Origin of PSYCHOLOGY New Latin psychologia, from psych- + -logia -logy First Known Use: 1653 Other Psychology Terms fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal Rhymes with PSYCHOLOGY andrology, anthology, apology, astrology, biology, bryology, cetology, Christology, chronology, conchology, cosmology, cryptology, cytolog... [+]more psy·chol·o·gy noun \-jē\ (Medical Dictionary) plural psy·chol·o·gies Medical Definition of PSYCHOLOGY 1 : the science of mind and behavior 2 a : the mental or behavioral characteristics typical of an individual or group or a particular form of behavior <mob psychology> <the psychology of arson> b : the study of mind and behavior in relation to a particular field of knowledge or activity <color psychology> <the psychology...
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...PERCEPTIONS OF GENETIC TESTING AMONG HISPANIC FAMILY MEMBERS OF BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS Objective: To provide a preliminary description of the interest, awareness, and perceptions of genetic testing among Hispanics with a family history of breast cancer Design: This cross-sectional pilot study used interpersonal structured interviews for data collection. Participants: We interviewed 48 Hispanics without breast cancer but who had a family member with breast cancer; participants lived in San Antonio and the surrounding area. Main Outcome: The outcomes were interest in breast cancer genetic testing, awareness about genetic testing, perceived risk of carrying a breast cancer susceptibility gene, and the perceived benefits and risks associated with a genetic test. Measures: Items previously used in research regarding interest and perceived genetic risk and a previously validated benefits and riskslimitations scale for genetic testing commonly used by other researchers were used to measure the outcomes. Results: Awareness of genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility was very low, yet most (82%) participants were interested in a genetic test for breast cancer susceptibility. Participants were more likely to identify with the benefits than the potential risks of genetic testing. The most highly endorsed benefits were to know to take better care of one’s self and to undergo more frequent screening. Conclusions: Hispanics seem to have positive perceptions about genetic testing for...
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...Huntington Disease Rachelle Jelosek Idaho State University Jackson is a healthy twenty-seven year old male who recently presented to his doctors office inquiring about genetic testing. Jackson recently married, and his wife Alisha is anxious to start a family. Unfortunately Jackson does not share Alisha's enthusiasm because he fears that he is a carrier of a deadly genetic mutation. Just five years ago Jackson's mother was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease at the age of 43 and Jackson's grandmother succumbed to the disease at the age of 68. Jackson is an only child and although unconfirmed and heavily denied by his family Jackson is convinced that his mother discovered her ill fate shortly after he was born. Jackson's wife and father do not want him to be tested for the disorder because they fear a positive diagnosis will destroy any life he has now and in the future . Jackson has endured years of watching his loved ones suffer and does not want to pass the disorder on to his children. The purpose of this paper is to define and describe Huntington's disease (HD), explain inheritance patterns, describe the specific gene mutation seen in patients with HD, discuss reproductive issue and outline the ethical and social implications associated with genetic testing. Huntington's disease was named after Dr. George Huntington, who is credited for discovering the hereditary disorder in 1872(Huntington’s Disease Society of America, 2008). HD progressively destroys neurons...
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