Discussion: Ethics/Legal - Essay Example

Ethics/Legal Ethics/Legal in Nursing Congenital abnormalities are also referred to as birth defects and can be structural or functional. Structural defects involve a specific body part missing after birth while the functional defect is where the problem is inborn into the body chemistry. Many birth defects are a result of environmental factors, for example, where a pregnant woman is exposed to chemicals and radiation at the first trimester of pregnancy. Other underlying causes are genetic factors and socioeconomic factors.

Concerning the baby born with a birth defect, the advancement in technology and the increase in scientific knowledge, high chances are the baby will survive. According to Gardner, technology has established the cause of many congenital abnormalities and has provided the means of diagnosing such disorders in the uterus. This has increased the range of conditions in which microscopic chromosomal abnormalities can be detected (Gardner, 2004). Genetic disorders cannot be cured but can be treated to reduce their chances of affecting the child in their lifetime.

Methods of treatment will vary according to the degree of advancement of the disorder. Pediatric surgery involves the pediatrician operating on the baby to eliminate the tumor. The baby can also be kept under intensive care and receive proper treatment, special diet and medication. Genetic counselling is offered to the family. The term Genetic Counseling covers many divert dealings, but in this context, it relates to a process of communication. First, it can refer to the analytical assessment of a child with various development problems.

It can be defined as the facilitation of decision making process.” (Elwyn, 2000) In conclusion, the genetic counselors will help by providing resources, support and information and with repeated screening; the genetic disorders can be managed effectively. REFERENCESGardner,R.M ,(2004). Chromosome abnormalities and genetic counselling. Newyork: Cambridge University Press.Elwyn, G., Gray, J., & Clarke, A.(2000).Shared decision making and non-directives in genetic counselling.

Journal of medical genetics, 37 (2), 135-138.