Discussion Response

**This is due on 7/25/20 at 7:00 PM Central Time, not 7:00 AM as it appears on the order.

This is a response to a classmate's posting. It must be directed directly towards them as if you were having a conversation with them. Please DO NOT critique their writing and/or grammar skills.

***Respond with a comment that asks for clarification, provides support for, or contributes additional information.

**Must contain at least one scholarly reference.

This is what needs to be responded to:

 Journal Summary         

                  The journal I chose discusses the prevalence, genetics, and pathophysiological mechanisms of Huntington's Disease. It provides an overview of the disease, and discusses the potential genetic markers that can be tested to better understand the treatment options for patients with the disease. ( Walker, 2017).

                                           Providing Genetically Competent Care to Patients with Huntington's Disease

    Huntington's Disease is an inherited, neurologic genetic disease that is rare, but has extremely progressive and devestating effects. Huntingtons Disease is considered autosomal dominant, meaning that the person affected only needs one copy of the defective gene to have the disorder. A child is born with a copy of each gene from each parent, which means each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene for HD. Huntington's disease usually displays decline during the mid adulthood, during ages 30-40's.  At times, HD can show it's effects in the early 20's. The earlier the disease process begins, the more devestating to the patient. This disease causes emotional, physical, cognitive and behavioral problems that are progressive. The neurodegenerative effects include chorea, dystonia, incoordination, and cogntive decline. (The Lanchet, 2007).

   Those who have HD may be unaware that they have it when they begin to have children of their own.  This leads to the need for extensive support for both the patient and their family. It is important for nurses to understand the genetic process of this disease, so genetically competent care can be given to the patient and his/her family. Knowing the importance of early genetic testing is important for prevention. However,  this disease may not be known until there is signs/symtoms present. The patient may already have had children,  which brings many potential genetic/ethical considerations. 

                                                                                     The Nurses Role

     The nurse must support the patient with Huntington's Disease through competent and genetically sensitive care. Understanding the disease pathway will allow the nurse to support the patient before diagnosis, if it's genetically known they have it, and after the signs/symtoms are evident. The nurse must also ensure the patient and his/her spouse is aware of the genetics of this disease, and the probability of passing through reproduction. The nurse must educate the patient on the probability and potential outcomes so the patient is able to make an informed decision on reproduction. The nurse must also educate and support other options for family planning. The nurse must also give ethically senstive care for the patient and family to plan for the future knowing that the disease is progressive and will affect the family dynamics in every aspect. 

Walker, Francis, MD (2007) Huntington's Disease. The Lanchet. vol 369 (9557) Page 218-228. Retrieved on July, 23,2020 from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673607601111

Understanding HD. HD Chorea in Adults. Retrieved on July 22,2020 from: https://www.austedo.com/huntingtons-chorea/symptoms?gclid=6632a9f01db3150afb10f6e989de73b4&gclsrc=3p.ds&