Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M Lessick.
This article describes the application of genetic testing of children for hereditary cancers and the resultant ethical and psychosocial implications. Basic cancer genetics concepts are reviewed. Specific hereditary cancers that may affect children are described along with case examples and recommendations for nursing practice.
Advances in genetic technology increase the ability to test children and adolescents for late-onset conditions, disease susceptibilities, and carrier status. Genetic tests may offer medical or psychologic benefits but may also create harm; alteration of the child's self-concept or parent-child bonds and risk of stigmatization are examples of the latter. The article examines developmental theories concerning children's ability to make choices as well as informed consent and ethical considerations in genetic testing. Because optimal care requires awareness of the complex psychosocial and ethical issues involved in childhood genetic testing, nurses must be prepared to acknowledge and discuss such issues with families.
One of the nation's most significant health problems, obesity is preventable and treatable. By understanding the role genetics plays in obesity, nurses help counsel clients to reach and maintain their optimal weight.
Advances in genetics are changing approaches to detecting and treating breast and ovarian cancer. Scientific breakthroughs and thus implications for clinical care and patient education are essential areas of knowledge for all medical-surgical nurses. Future discoveries promise to change drastically the prevention and treatment of these diseases.
The United States has set as a national objective the mapping and sequencing of the entire human genome. Nurses must stay informed about discoveries generated by the Human Genome Project so they can apply this knowledge in nursing practice.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Thermostability of lymphocyte methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) was determined in 21 patients aged less than 50 years with proven coronary artery disease, and in 21 age- and sex-matched controls without clinical evidence of vascular disease. The mean +/- SD of residual activity after heat inactivation at 46 degrees C for five minutes was 37.6% +/- 5.6% in the controls. In contrast, patients with coronary artery disease could be divided into two subgroups. Fifteen of them had 38.1 +/- 5.9% residual activity which was similar to that of the controls. In six of them the mean +/- SD residual activity after heat inactivation was 13.6% +/- 5.1% which was below 2 SD of the normal mean. These observations suggested that thermolabile MTHFR was associated with development of coronary artery disease.
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Genetic discoveries emerging from the HGP are revolutionizing health care. With the potential to promote health and minimize disease through these discoveries, pediatric nurses will need to incorporate the health, ethical, and social aspects of this knowledge into their care of children and families. Genetic advancements are creating new challenges not only for nursing practice, but also for educational curricula. While genetic information and technology bring great potential for new ways to detect and manage a wide range of pediatric health problems, nurses must ensure that this information is managed in ways that will maximize benefit and minimize potential harm to children and their families. Educational preparation is critical to the application of genetic information and testing in health care of all clients. Pediatric nurses with adequate educational preparation in genetics now have an exciting opportunity to develop new skills and roles and make a significant contribution to genetic services and the advancement of nursing knowledge of children.
New discoveries from genetic research may benefit children through increased knowledge of genetic causes of diseases, and new methods of diagnosis and treatment including presymptomatic diagnoses, carrier diagnoses, and gene therapy. However, these discoveries are also creating ethical, legal, and social dilemmas regarding children's health. Inaccurate interpretation of carrier test results, a limited understanding of implications of genetic information, emotional implications of testing, and potential insurance denials are examples. Ways in which pediatric nurses will apply knowledge of genome research in their practice include: education, counseling, advocacy, clarification of values and feelings, and referral for information, support, and assistance.