Genetic counseling- This book covers the entire syllabus of “Community Health Nursing” prescribed by the Universities of Bangladesh- for Basic and diploma nursing students. We tried to accommodate latest information and topics.
This book is examination friendly setup according to the teachers’ lectures and examination’s questions. At the end of the book previous university questions are given. We hope in touch with the book students’ knowledge will be upgraded and flourished. The unique way of presentation may make your reading of the book a pleasurable experience.
Genetic counseling
Genetic counseling
Genetic counseling is the process by which the 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 it, and the options open to them in management and family planning.
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Genetic counseling is the process through which knowledge about the genetic aspects of illnesses is shared by trained professionals with those who are at an increased risk or either having a heritable disorder or of passing it on to their unborn offspring.
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Genetic counseling aims to facilitate the exchange of information regarding a person’s genetic le gacy. It attempts to:
- accurately diagnose a disorder
- assess the risk of recurrence in the concerned family members and their relatives
- provide alternatives for decision-making
- Provide support groups that will help family-members cope with the recurrence of a disor der.
Prepare for counseling
Successful counseling requires preparation. To prepare for counseling, do the following:
- Select a suitable place.
- Schedule the time.
- Notify the subordinate well in advance.
- Organize information.
- Outline the counseling session components.
- Plan your counseling strategy.
- Establish the right atmosphere.
Importance of genetic counseling
Anyone concerned about the possibility of transmitting a diseases to his or her children should have access to genetic counseling for advice on the inheritance of diseases, such counseling can serve to:
a. Reassure people who are concerned about their children inheriting a particular disorderand provide concrete, accurate information.
b. Allow people who are affected by inherited disorders to make informed choices about future reproduction.
c. Educate people about inherited disorders and the process of inheritance.
d. Other support by skilled health care professionals to people who are affected by genetic disorders.
e. Advocates for patients seeking understanding of their particular genetic risks.
f. helps to Selecting the proper genetic tests
g. Provide Professional, emotional support
h. Helps to Provide information on treatment options
Genetic counseling can assist women or couples who are
- Planning a pregnancy.
- Interested in prenatal diagnosis.
- Concerned about first or second trimester screening results.
- Known to be at risk for carrying genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, sickle cell disease or thalassemia.
- Pregnant and will be 35 years or older at the time of delivery.
- Of an ethnic group in which particular inherited diseases are more common, including African-American, French-Canadian, Jewish, Mediterranean or Asian backgrounds.
Genetic counseling can help with the implications of
- Previous miscarriages or pregnancy losses
- Either parent’s diagnosis or family history of birth defect, genetic disorder or mental retardation
- Previously having a child with a birth defect, genetic disorder or mental retardationl
- A laboratory test such as a maternal serum screening test indicating an increased risk for a genetic disorder
- A woman’s exposure to certain medications or drugs, significant radiation, and/or particular infections during her pregnancy.
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