Instructions
Initial discussion question- Research an area where genomics has made an impact. Provide a brief background on the topic of choice, how genomics has influenced the field positively/negatively, and what is the role of the nurse in genomics?
Provide a response to other colleagues (refer to discussion instructions) in the class; may include agreement/ disagreement with supporting rationale or constructive suggestions and ideas, in a professional manner
No grammatical and/or spelling errors in postings.
Discussion posts demonstrate understanding of topic and textbook concepts
Book: Family Health Care Nursing, 6e (2018) ISBN 9780803661660
Readings: Chapter 8
Colleague Discussion Post
Provide a brief background on the topic of choice.
BRCA1 is the lost suppressor gene; it causes a higher risk of breast cancer due to the gene being turned off. The gene would normally destroy any abnormal cells that start to grow but the gene is deactivated and it increases the likely hood of cancer growing. It was noted to run in families and can be influenced by lifestyle choices. In 1994 the gene was discovered after studying many generations of families that have breast cancer. “Within families with cancer in multiple generations, it had been estimated previously that a woman with an alteration in the BRCA1 gene has about an 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer and a 44 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer by age 70,”(Questions About the BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Study and Breast Cancer, 2012). The damaged/disabled genes cause it not to recognized DNA mutations and allow them to grow. This can be devastating, along with other life style choices such as smoking, diet, and amount of children a woman has, all play a factor the increased risk of breast cancer. Families can now test for the gene and altera their lifestyle to reduce their risk.
How genomics has influenced the meadow positively/negatively?
The positive part of genomics is being able to test for a specific disease and having relief when it comes back negative. It helps the patient/family plan for reproduction purposes, and they can choose to have children and pass the gene on or adopt. They learn that they have an increased chance of inheriting a disease and it comes with emotions that are good and bad,( Rowe &Coehlo, 2018, pg.217). It gives them peace of mind when they were suspecting a diagnosis and when through a long process of diagnostic tests. They can get proper guidance and can look for answers for managing their condition. They can alter their lifestyle choices to give them better chances such as not smoking, eating healthy, exercising, no alcohol, reproductive choices, etc.). They can let their family know they may carry the gene and be at risk too.
One of the disadvantages is worrying about the future. “Survivors guilt, due to surviving when other family members are affected,”(Rowe & Coehlo, 2018, pg. 217). Worry about how others will see them and any different treatment/discrimination (Aids patients are still stigmatized in public). They may have regrets about past choices. They may not be willing to change their habits that increase the likely hood of worsening their condition.
What is the role of the nurse in genomics?
“Nurses need to expand assessment skills to include the details family history, facilitate and coordination of care, understand elements of genetic testing, understand conditions and therapies,”(Rowe & Coehlo, 2018, pg. 228). This includes the timing the patient and family members are told and the testing being done. Testing should not be done on a Friday if possible. Any test results should be given by the doctor in person and not via voice mail, phone, or email, nurses should be there to add support to the patient and family. The situation should have great sensitivity to it and not be something that is rushed, the patient, the family will have a mix of emotions, and nurses need to be aware and sensitive to them. The nurse should be knowledgeable and have resources available, if the nurse does not know that much about the condition then it should be acknowledged and other resources made available. The nurse should make sure there is a follow-up a few weeks later that way the patient/family has time to process the situation and then ask questions. The nurse should also know of any support groups that would be beneficial to the patient and family, so they can talk to others affected and know what might happen by learning from others. Letting families and patients connect helps the newly diagnosed have hope and see that life does go on, others may have resources to other groups or doctors that may be a good fit.
References
Questions About the BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Study and Breast Cancer. (2012, June 1). In National Human Genome Research Institute. Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://www.genome.gov/10000940/brca1brca2-study-faq#:~:text=After%20a%20long%20search%2C%20two,search%20for%20other%20genes%20continues.
Rowe, J. K., & Coehlo, D. P. (2018). Family health care, 6e : Genomics and Family Nursing Across the Life Span. pg.211-229 . ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com