Prenatal genetic diagnosis and related nursing care
Tzeng, Y.-L.; Chiu, T.-H.
Hu Li Za Zhi Journal of Nursing 56(6): 11-15
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-262X PMID: 19953450 Document Number: 634283
Prenatal genetic diagnosis plays an important role in eugenics. Early detection of embryo and fetus abnormalities allows preventive precautions to be taken and treatment to begin early in order to reduce the severity and extent of congenital deformities. Advancements in genetic diagnostic techniques infer that nurses are increasingly likely to deal with prenatal genetic diagnosis cases. This essay introduces a few prevalent prenatal genetic diagnosis methods used at different stages of pregnancy; describes in a comprehensive manner the potential physical and psychological responses of the client; and introduces principles of administering prenatal genetic diagnosis to healthcare clients. Ethical issues related to prenatal genetic diagnosis are also discussed.