Nurses' role in genetic and genome (SMA- SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY)

Spinal muscular atrophy is a group of hereditary disorders that destroys the motor neurons and the nerve cells of the spinal cord and the brain stem to cause difficulties in skeletal muscle movement (Chiriboga,2017). The genetic condition causes difficulty breathing, swallowing, walking, and speaking. Nurses can incorporate genetics and genomic information in all aspects of the healthcare system across the country. The role of nurses in human genetics and genomics is evident. They play a crucial role in complementing healthcare providers' work that improves public and community health.

Spinal muscular atrophy lacks a complete cure, and the best way for the nurses to advocate for the management of the patients diagnosed with the condition is to treat the symptoms of the disease (Singh,2019). The nurse has the role of supporting early diagnostic tests on the patients with a familial history of spinal muscular atrophy to detect the mutations of the SMN1 gene and plan earlier for the management of the child at early stages of development. The gene carriers are detected earlier through the tests and early management plan made. The nurses advocate for physical therapy, rehabilitation, and occupational therapy to assist individuals in improving their posture and mobility and slowing down muscle weakness and atrophy.

The nurses have an intimate knowledge of the families and communities and assist in understanding the underpinnings that exist biologically in the community. They can use the technologies, information, and trust they are given to get the genetic disorders that lie in the community and provide supportive instruments in disease management (Singh et al., 2017). The nurses can assist in diagnosing the hidden genetic disorders that exist within the community and help the patient seek healthcare that manages the hereditary condition.