NRSE 4530 OU Nursing The Role of A Family Health Nurse Discussion

This discussion asks you look at the role of the family health nurse in a genetic counseling scenario. Imagine that you are a family health nurse, and today in your office you will be seeing a married couple who are both carriers for a genetic disorder (for example, sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, or Huntington’s disease). This couple would like to have children, but since they are both carriers for a genetic disorder, they are seeking your advice on what they should do before they attempt to start a family.

Post a thoughtful response to at least two (2) other colleagues’ initial postings. 

peer post 1

Healthcare has transformed significantly over the past few decades, especially in the area of genes, genomics, and genetics. Genetic testing for couples and families who share risks for certain genetic-based diseases has become paramount with nurses embracing new roles as genetic counselors. This discussion shows the counseling that can be offered by nurses to help carriers of a genetic disorder seeking children.

The Jacksons are a young couple, recently married and seeking to have children but are both genetic carriers of Huntington’s disease. This realization had caused the couple considerable anxiety due to the high risk of their child developing the disease if they ever conceived. I first ensured they were calm and understood they could still get a child as long as they understood the risk and took the necessary steps to make a knowledgeable and informed decision. This included prioritizing prenatal diagnosis, advanced reproductive technologies, and taking the recommended amount of folic acid, which can prevent neural tube defect development in babies (Robinson et al., 2022). The couples known and specific mutations should especially be of focus. Termination of the fetus is also an option if the risk is too high.

I further noted that factors beyond genetics like family history, lifestyle habits, prescription drug use, ethnic background, and household and occupational exposures could also affect the pregnancy. Moreover, I mentioned that they could choose to adopt or use a non-carrier donor to carry the pregnancy using his or her gamete. The provision of adequate, up-to-date, and evidence-based information is vital for patients such as the Jacksons(Barr et al., 2018). I also used my position as a counselor and advocate to connect the couple to a genetic specialist who would offer better and deeper advice on the couple’s childbearing options. Overall, my role was to ascertain the couple possessed all the knowledge necessary before making a decision. I was keen on acknowledging and reducing the risk, preparing for and exploring alternatives, and seeking a genetic specialist for more information. 

peer post 2

to have children can lead to many discussions between couples in regard to preparation. One of the topics could include genetic diseases they may pass on to their children. In this week’s discussion, as a family nurse, I will explore a hypothetical husband and wife looking to expand their family but are seeking advice due to both being carriers of a genetic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis.

When first greeting the couple, I will make sure to maintain a calm demeanor as the topic can be stressful. I will make sure to approach the topic in a professional manner, while providing words of encouragement. I will obtain a thorough history including their own medical history and family history. I will ask the couple if they plan on a natural conception, artificial insemination, or in vitro fertilization. I will also provide information regarding screening processes that can be performed, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This specific screening process is through in vitro fertilization, in which the oocyte is screened for mutation before it is implanted (He et al., 2018). PGD is an effective screening process that can help prevent the passing of congenital disorders through generations, however it is not a guarantee (He et al., 2018). I will provide the risks and benefits of every method, test, and screening so that they are able to make an informed decision based on their circumstances.

I will make sure to provide the couple with educational material, such as pamphlets, to take home and hopefully assist them in their own research. I will also provide them with resources such as groups and communities so that they feel supported and are able to network with other couples who have been in their shoes. Towards the end of the meeting, I will ensure that they are more than welcome to reach out when needed, such as if they have more questions or need assistance.

In conclusion, family nurses have the advantage in providing information and support not just to one individual, but to the whole family and their future. Being able to gather family histories, identify high-risk individuals, provide educational resources, and actively support those seeking to benefit greatly from genetic healthcare services, makes nurses valuable in every setting (Zureigat et al., 2022).