Huntington’s disease case study | Nursing homework help
Case: Mr. and Mrs. Smith are in their early 40s and have three children, two of whom are teenagers. Mrs. Smith’s mother died from Huntington’s disease, and she recently tested positive for the genetic mutation that causes the disease. Mr. Smith is concerned about his wife’s diagnosis and what it means for their family. He is also worried about their children and whether they should be tested for the gene mutation.
Step 1: Recognize the problem and gather information The main problem in this case is whether Mr. and Mrs. Smith should inform their children about their mother’s diagnosis of Huntington’s disease and whether their children should be tested for the gene mutation. Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system and has no cure. The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that if one parent has the gene mutation, each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease. Testing for the gene mutation is available, but the decision to be tested is complex and involves ethical, psychological, and social considerations.
Step 2: Identify the ethical issues involved The main ethical issues in this case are respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Respect for autonomy requires that individuals have the right to make decisions about their own health and well-being. In this case, Mrs. Smith has the right to decide whether to inform her children about her diagnosis and whether to be tested for the gene mutation. Beneficence and non-maleficence require that healthcare providers and individuals act in the best interest of the patient and do no harm. The decision to inform the children about their mother’s diagnosis and whether to be tested for the gene mutation should be based on what is best for the individual and the family. Justice requires that healthcare resources be distributed fairly and that individuals be treated equitably. In this case, the decision to be tested for the gene mutation should not be influenced by financial resources.
Step 3: Clarify the options and weigh the pros and cons Option 1: Mrs. Smith can inform her children about her diagnosis and discuss the option of genetic testing. Pros: Children can make informed decisions about their own health and well-being. Cons: Children may experience anxiety, depression, or guilt related to their genetic risk status.
Option 2: Mrs. Smith can inform her children about her diagnosis but not discuss the option of genetic testing. Pros: Children can be prepared for potential future health problems. Cons: Children may feel a lack of control over their health and well-being.
Option 3: Mrs. Smith can choose not to inform her children about her diagnosis. Pros: Children are not burdened with the knowledge of their genetic risk status. Cons: Children may not be prepared for potential future health problems.
Step 4: Consider the consequences Option 1: If Mrs. Smith informs her children about her diagnosis and discusses the option of genetic testing, the children may experience anxiety, depression, or guilt related to their genetic risk status. However, they can make informed decisions about their own health and well-being.
Option 2: If Mrs. Smith informs her children about her diagnosis but not about the option of genetic testing, the children can be prepared for potential future health problems. However, they may feel a lack of control over their health and well-being.
Option 3: If Mrs. Smith chooses not to inform her children about her diagnosis, the children are not burdened with the knowledge of their genetic risk status. However, they may not be prepared for potential future health problems.
Step 5: Identify the values at stake The values at stake in this case include autonomy, privacy, honesty, respect for persons, and family relationships. Mrs. Smith has the right
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