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Chapter-04 Human Genetics and Genomic Nursing

BOOK TITLE: Medical Surgical Nursing

Author
1. Basavanthappa BT
ISBN
9788184486353
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10522_4
Edition
2/e
Publishing Year
2009
Pages
34
Author Affiliations
1. Government College of Nursing, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, Rajarajeshwari College of Nursing, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India; Government College of Nursing, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India; Faculty of Nursing, RGUHS, Karnataka, India, Academic Council, RGUHS, Karnataka, India; IGNOU, BSc Nursing Course, Karnataka and Goa, India; Nursing Research Society of India, New Delhi, India; Trained Nurses , ssociation of India, New Delhi, India; RGUHS Nursing Teachers Association, Karnataka, India
Chapter keywords

Abstract

Human genetics is the study of the human conditions as it is influenced by inherited factors that effect and transmitted from generation to generation. Genetic factors extended beyond the limited view of solely genetic syndromes to encompass influences on health, the occurrence of complex disorders, individual biologic responses to illness, potential treatment and medical management approaches and strategies for prevention or cure. Genome nursing will be a challenging in the field of nursing in which nurses studies and recognizes the pattern of inheritance, understands the new technologies of testing and management of gene-based health care services and applying genetic principles in respective clinical areas of nursing for assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation of genetic related health needs of the client. The unique contribution of nursing to genomic medicine is its philosophy of holism. Nurses are ideally positioned to incorporate genetics into the care of patients at all ages and stages of life and in all settings. The holistic view that characterizes nursing takes no account each person’s intellectual, physical, spiritual, social, cultural, biopsychological, ethical and esthetic experiences while addressing genetic information, gene-based testing, diagnosis, and treatment. Thus, knowledge of genetics is basic to nursing practice. A framework for integrating genetics into nursing practice includes a philosophy of care that recognizes when genetic factors are playing a role or could play a role in a person’s health. This means using family history and the results of genetic tests effectively, informing patients about genetics concepts, understanding the personal and societal impact of genetics information and valuing the privacy and confidentially of genetics information. A person’s response to genetics information, genetic testing, or genetics-related conditions may be either empowering or disabling. Genetics information may stigmatize people if it affects how they view themselves or how others view them. Nurses can help individuals and families learn how genetic traits and conditions are passed on within families and how genetics and environmental factors influence health and disease. Nurses facilitate communication among family members, the health care system and community resources and they offer valuable support by virtue of their continuity of care with patients and families. All nurses should be able to recognize when a patient is asking a question related to genetics information and should know how to obtain genetics information by gathering family and health histories and conducting physical and development assessments. Being able to recognize a genetics concern allows nurses to provided appropriate genetics resources and support to patients and families. Essential to a genetic framework in nursing is the awareness of one’s attitudes, experience, and assumptions about genetics concepts and how these are manifested in one’s own practice.

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