The Trosack Family Decision Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Trosack Family Decision - Essay Example The social worker would also identify and facilitate local and community based programs such as support groups and grief counselors since depression could become an issue for both Rita and Peter. The educator would provide education on Tay-Sachs disease. This could be a physician who specializes in genetic diseases or a nurse educator with an advanced knowledge of Tay-Sachs disease. Understanding the disease, including cause, expectations, and prognosis would be of utmost importance to Rita and Peter to help them grasp their situation on and begin to cope with it (Kaback, Rimoin and O'Brien, 1977). The genetic counselor could provide information regarding the risks of subsequent pregnancies and possibly shed some light into their family history related to the development of the disease. The case manager, in collaboration with the other healthcare team members, would be responsible for designing a unique and patient specific approach to Rita’s healthcare and both Rita and Peter ’s emotional wellbeing. Nurses have knowledge and decision-making skills in health assessment, diagnosis, offer therapeutics and health care management to the patient. They provide health care services that encompassing prevention of diseases and injuries and other support services. Their integration to the team would provide access to a wide range of primary health care services (Lapham, Kozma and Weiss 1996). Teaching plan Definition Tay Sachs disease (TSD) is also referred to as Hexosaminidase or GM2 gangliosidosis. It is an autosomal recessive disorder that is genetic. Infantile Tay Sachs disease causes a persistent deterioration of physical and mental abilities that begin at six months old more often than not results to death by age four (Lapham, Kozma and Weiss 1996). Genetic diagnosis TSD is caused by a genetic defect in a single gene which has one faulty copy gene inherited from the parents. The disease arises when dangerous amounts of cell membrane gangliosides build up in the nerve cells of the brain. They finally lead to the early death of those cells. A genetic mutation in the HEXA gene on chromosome 15 is the main cause of TSD. It is a hereditary disease. TSD takes place when the body lacks hexosaminidase A. This protein assists in the breaking down of gangliosides. Gangliosides build up when the protein is missing. When both parents carry the faulty TSD gene, their child has a 25 percent chance of getting the disease (Feetham, 1999). Treatment of TSD At present, no treatment is available for TSD. However, anticonvulsant medicine may be used to control seizures initially. Supportive treatment such as proper nutrition and hydration can be applied (Lapham, Kozma and Weiss, 1996). Prognosis of Tay-Sachs disease Children with TSD die usually by age 5 due to recurring infection. This is due to the complications that arise after the child is born. Support Groups Stress of the illness may be relieved by joining support groups whose members share c ommon problems and experiences such as the National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association. Its aim is to lead the fight of treating and finding a cure for TSD. It also supports affected individuals and families to lead fuller lives. Such groups may also offer financial and emotional support. Pregnancy information Screening should be done before pregnancy and if possible before marriage. One partner can be screened and if the