The Details Of Phenylketonuria And Huntington s Disease

This essay will introduce the details of phenylketonuria and Huntington’s disease. Using these facts, the difference in screening policy between the diseases will be morally justified. The arguments will relate to the desire for informed autonomy, the differing prognoses for the diseases, and the avoidance of moral conflict. Then, using a test case, arguments will be made for circumstances in which one would be morally obligated under the principles of beneficence and justice to be tested for Huntington’s disease. Criticisms for that stance will be noted using the principle of nonmaleficence and rebutted with further arguments for beneficence. Overall, the essay will demonstrate that while Huntington’s disease screening is justifiably not legally required, unlike mandatory PKU screening, testing for Huntington’s disease can be a moral obligation. Phenylketonuria, or PKU, is an autosomal recessive, heritable disease that decreases levels of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which is responsible for the metabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine, resulting in an unhealthy buildup that can lead to brain damage, seizures, and intellectual disability. While not curable, PKU, if detected early on, can be treated to allow sufferers to lead full and healthy lives. The symptoms of PKU appear almost immediately after birth, requiring parents and hospitals to make the necessary preparations, including feeding infants with special formula. Lack of such care can result inShow MoreRelatedHesi Practice31088 Words   |  125 PagesB. A low-birth-weight neonate. C. A neonate born at less than 37 weeks gestation regardless of weight. D. A neonate diagnosed with intrauterine growth retardation. 2. A client with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus has just learned she s pregnant. The nurse is teaching her about insulin requirement s during pregnancy. Which guideline should the nurse provide? A. Insulin requirements don t change during pregnancy. Continue your current regimen. B. Insulin requirements usually decrease