The role of the nurse in the care of children with down syndrome

Abstract

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by trisomy 21 and which leads to inadequate chromosomal distribution during the meiosis phase. Down syndrome is not a disease. It consists of a natural genetic occurrence that happens for unknown reasons, in pregnancy, during the division of the cells of the embryo. It is a chromosomal alteration, when children are born endowed with three chromosomes (trisomy) 21, and not two as usual. This genetic alteration affects the development of the individual, determining some peculiar physical and cognitive characteristics. Faced with the positive diagnosis for down syndrome, family members, especially parents, receive a very large impact and have different reactions, often without knowing what to do, how to proceed, become disoriented, and develop various feelings such as fears, anguish, uncertainty, shame, insecurity, among others.
In this sense, the role of the nursing professional is to guide this family, with a humanized approach, passing on to it the care inherent to the patient, and the knowledge about the syndrome. The nursing professional for being in charge of the care the family has in its attributions, especially the care, and in the families that receive this diagnosis its role is of paramount importance to the clarification and welcoming of these parents.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevenIIImulti2023-228