Vol. 10: Winter, 1994
Nontraditional Inheritance
Public Health Nursing:
Genetic Awareness Makes a Difference
A Public Health nurse, while making a routine newborn health guidance visit, discovered the father had a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis. He was concerned that his baby daughter might be affected. The Public Health nurse referred the family to the Regional Genetic Counseling clinic after she obtained the family pedigree and medical records. She also secured transportation and accompanied the family to the clinic appointment. During the genetic evaluation, it became apparent that both parents were of borderline intelligence and the nurse was able to provide follow-up counseling and reinforcement of the information provided. In addition, she was able to coordinate community based nutritional care and Public Health nursing follow-up after the geneticist identified failure to thrive.
Editorial comment: This case, contributed by Sue Hume, R.N.(WY) illustrates the comprehensive care that genetically aware providers are able to deliver.
Nontraditional Inheritance: Table of Contents
Mosaicism
Mitochondrial Inheritance
Uniparental Disomy and Genomic Imprinting
Triplet Repeat Disorders
Additional Reading
Featured Clinical Case: Public Health Nursing
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