Pharmacogenomics and chronic illnesses Essay Assignment Paper
Pharmacogenomics and chronic illnesses Essay Assignment Paper
This article gives a brief history and definition of pharmacogenomics as well as gives some examples of nursing implications as it is translated into clinical practice. According to Cheek et al, “while the terms pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics are often used interchangeably, pharmacogenetics is generally used to refer to the role of single genes in drug response while pharmacogenomics is the broader term that encompasses the role of the entire genome, including gene-gene interactions in drug response” (2015, para. 2). Expanding on that, pharmacogenomics is defined as “the knowledge of the specific genetic factors that affect drug response”, with the ultimate goal being the ability to adjust drug doses or suggest alternate therapies to avoid toxicities in patients and yield optimal patient outcomes (Cheek et al 2015). There are several chronic illnesses where the patients would benefit tremendously from this concept. For example, according to Cheek et al, “the most common disease that benefits from pharmacogenomics is cancer. Targeting of specific pharmacological therapies will assist in a greater understanding of the molecular causes of cancer” (2015, para. 12). They also note, “the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium of the National Institute of Health Pharmacogenomics Research Network recommends that pharmacogenomics information be used in adjusting doses of Warfarin…” (2015, para. 13). Warfarin is often used as anticoagulation therapy in patients diagnosed with certain cardiac arrythmias. And also, per Cheek et al, “pharmacogenomics is also utilized in determining drug efficacy with the antiplatelet agent clopidogrel…” (2015, para. 14). Clopidogrel is often used in patients who have coronary artery disease and have undergone cardiac catheterizations with stent placement to maintain stent patency long-term. Pharmacogenomics is also used in the drug management of mental health disorders. Cheek et al notes, “this is the second largest therapeutic area that the FDA has identified with pharmacogenomics biomarkers in drug labeling” (2015, para. 25). In summary, the use of pharmacogenomics gives providers the ability to prescribe the precise drug and dosages for maximum efficacy and patient outcomes and minimizes, if not completely eliminates, the risk for adverse drug reactions.
Kindly order now for a custom-written, completely unique essay paper that is free of plagiarism! on Pharmacogenomics and chronic illnesses Essay Assignment Paper from Best Nursing Writers
The nurse’s role is critical because one of our primary duties is safe medication administration. Advocacy involves advocating for and demanding implementation of all available safe administration practices, including precision drug and dosing practices made possible by pharmacogenomics. Nurses also have a duty to communicate with providers results of genetic testing if/when available. Nurses in certain specialties should also be competent to know when genetic testing is actually indicated before certain drugs are prescribed. For example, HIV+ patients with a certain genetic allele can have an adverse drug reaction to the commonly prescribe antiviral medication abacavir, resulting in fatal multi-organ hypersensitivity (Cheek et al, 2015). Nurses have the responsibility of monitoring, assessing, and advocating for the patients, as well as communicating and collaborating with other members of the health care team for the best possible outcomes for the patients. Nurses should also be educating the patients and their families about information that needs to be passed along to other specialties or providers and just so that the patient is aware and informed of his/her own health care information. We also have a duty to safely administer medications based on the correct patient, drug, dose, route and time. We should be monitoring and reassessing for the patient’s response to the drug. Nurses should be communicating immediately with the provider about any adverse drug reactions and provide interventions as indicated. Nurses also have an ethical responsibility to our patients. We have to first ensure that the patient is aware of genetic testing and understands how that information will be used in their health care. We should also ensure that they agree and are willing to have the testing done prior to the actual testing. This is important because it not only affects the patient, but also their family members who may be genetically predisposed, at risk for or managing some of the same conditions or diseases. Cheek et al notes,
The area of precision medicine is here, and the ability to tailor treatment for a myriad of acute and chronic health problems are vast due to the genomic, pharmacogenomic, and genetic explosion. Genetic testing can have a life-altering impact on patients and families. Nurses need to be prepared to first educate patients and families on the value of genetic testing, and then how the information can be used to help families make decisions about the medical management of family members.. Nurses serve as patient advocates for the best possible health outcomes by educating patients about the role pharmacogenomics play in their treatment plan. (2015, para. 31). NURS 4005 NURS 4006: Topics in Clinical Nursing
Pharmacogenomics provides an opportunity for nurses to safely administer the most effective drug and dosage, based on genetics, ultimately resulting in optimal patient outcomes with a minimized risk of adverse drug reactions.
Kindly order now for a custom-written, completely unique essay paper that is free of plagiarism! on Pharmacogenomics and chronic illnesses Essay Assignment Paper from Best Nursing Writers
