Improvement of genetic endowment

Eugenics means? - JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Pathology & Genetics

Easy

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

Eugenics is defined as the science aiming to improve the genetic endowment of the human population.
The term was coined by Francis Galton and is based on the idea of improving the human species by controlling reproduction.
It involves encouraging people with 'desirable' traits to reproduce while discouraging those with 'undesirable' traits.
This concept is fundamentally about altering the genetic makeup of a population, which is what 'improvement of genetic endowment' refers to.

Option B: Genetic counseling is a modern healthcare service that provides information and support to families regarding genetic conditions. It emphasizes patient autonomy and informed decision-making, which is contrary to the coercive nature of eugenics.
Option C: Improving the environment to enhance human well-being is known as 'euthenics'. It focuses on external factors like nutrition, education, and sanitation, not on altering the genetic makeup of the population.
Option D: Genetic preventive measures is a broad term for modern medical practices aimed at preventing genetic diseases, such as prenatal screening, carrier testing, and genetic counseling. Eugenics is a specific, and now discredited, ideology of 'improving' the population, not just preventing disease.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The definition and historical meaning of eugenics as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the history of eugenics is crucial for nurses to appreciate the ethical principles that govern modern genetics, such as patient autonomy, informed consent, and non-directive counseling.
Nurses must be able to distinguish between the discredited, coercive practices of eugenics and the supportive, empowering role of modern genetic counseling.
What if a patient expresses ideas that sound like eugenics, for example, wanting to select for traits like intelligence? The nurse's role is to provide education on the ethical limits of genetic technology and focus the conversation on health-related genetic screening, reinforcing the principles of non-discrimination and respect for human diversity.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Eugenics'.
This is a factual recall question that requires you to know the definition of a specific term.
Analyze the root of the word: 'eu' (good) and 'genics' (birth/genes), which hints at 'good genes' or 'good birth'.
Evaluate each option against this definition. 'Improvement of genetic endowment' is the most direct and accurate definition.
Differentiate the term from related but distinct concepts like genetic counseling and environmental improvements.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology-Vandana Puri & Kavita Gaur Textbook of Pathology and Genetics p. 597-599

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 145-147