Study and analyze the family’s pedigree genogram diagram and health history table that you’ve created with your client. Remember, you, as a non-geneticist cannot be expert on all genetic disorders and genetic contributions to disease. Therefore, your goal as an RN, is to recognize genetic factors, diseases, or conditions that may contribute to your client and children’s health risks. (Review links above again) Look carefully at the genogram and family health history assessment table and describe the risks you assess, such as:
- Major medical/chronic medical concerns (obesity, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, renal failure)
- Chronic psychiatric conditions (depression, bi-polar, anxiety, substance abuse, etc)
- Miscarriages, Congenital malformations
- Dysmorphic features (hexadactyly or six fingers or toes; wide-spacing between eyes, low-set ears, etc.)
- Intellectual disability (mental retardation, learning disabilities, or developmental delay)
- Any other concerns. (Obesity, inactivity)
- Genetic disorders (sickle cell, cystic fibrosis)