The Roles of the Nurse in Integrating Genetics in the Nursing Care Provided for the Patient

 

The nurse plays a critical role in integrating genetics into the nursing care offered for a patient diagnosed with an autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disorder. The nurse must have a meticulous comprehension of the patient’s family history, as it can assist in identifying any other family members at risk of inheriting the disorder. The nurse must also be informed about the disorder, its possible complications, and ways of managing them. It includes educating the patient on ways of modifying lifestyle, like changes in the diet, management of medications, and blood pressure observation (Goda et al., 2019). The nurse is also responsible to observe the patient for any symptoms of complications like bleeding and infection and punctually report any changes to the healthcare team. In addition, the nurse must motivate the patient to look for genetic counseling and testing to comprehend better their risk and assist them in informed decision-making about their healthcare. Comprehensively, the nurse’s role in integrating genetics into nursing care entails evaluation, education, advocacy, and monitoring, aiming to enhance the patient’s quality of life and minimize complications.

Conclusion

Genetics and genomics play a critical role in nursing care, especially in managing hereditary disorders like autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Comprehending the characteristics of autosomal dominant genetic disorders is essential in elucidating the disease to patients and their families. The variable expression of genetic characteristics influences the course of the disorder, making it hard to predict the level of extremity. However, genetic testing can assist in discovering the risk of passing on the disorder to future generations, and as part of the nursing care team, the nurse can play a critical role in integrating genetics into patient care by evaluating family history, educating patients and families, and partnering with other healthcare professionals to offer comprehensive care. Nurses can enhance patient outcomes and offer more personalized and targeted care by pertaining a genetics and genomics lens to nursing care.

Order this paper