Unit 4

The public health nurse is preparing a community assessment. Which are indicators of the community's health status, rather than the structure of the health care system? Select the three best answers.

Incidence of teen pregnancy, morbidity rate r/t heart disease and prevalence of vaccine preventable disease

What are genes?

DNA and RNA carry genetic info

What is genetics?

Study of a single gene and its effects

What does genetics focus on?

Diagnosis of genetic diseases

What is the concern with genetics?

Single-gene chromosomal disorders and cause-defect disorders

What are the 7 most common genetic disorders?

Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, huntington's disease, duchenne's muscular dystrophy and tay-sachs disease

What is the importance of the human genome project?

create an ordered set of DNA segments from known chromosomal locations, develop new computational methods for analyzing genetic map and DNA sequence data, and develop new techniques and instruments for detecting and analyzing DNA

What is genomics?

Study of whole genome

What is the focus on with genomics?

Info to share w/individuals and families

What are the risks that identify for genome disorders?

Result from interaction b/t an individual's total genome and persons total environmental exposures across their life course

What is epigenetics?

Study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work

Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are....?

reversible and do not change your DNA sequence, but they can change how your body reads a DNA sequence

Why is genomics important?

improves diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

Why are nurses important in genomics?

They have the most patient contact and help apply genomics in care.

What is the main idea about nurses and genomics?

Genomic medicine depends on nurses.

How do nurses collaborate in genomics?

work with the healthcare team and share genetic concerns.

What is a key collaboration role?

Representing patients and families.

What do nurses explain to patients about genomics?

What testing is, why it's done, and what happens to samples.

What important information might nurses discover through communication?

Family history of diseases.

How do nurses support patients with genomic info?

By answering questions, reassuring them, and guiding lifestyle choices.

What do nurses observe related to genomics?

Drug reactions, signs of genetic conditions, and patient understanding.

What else can nurses identify through observation?

Patients who may qualify for research studies or clinical trials.

What hands-on tasks do nurses perform in genomics?

Taking samples, giving medications, and managing infection control.

Why is education in genomics important for nurses?

Because genomics is continuously advancing and changing practice.

What are the 3 main nursing roles in genomics?

Collaborate, communicate, observe

What are the 2 important interventions in genomics/genetics for nurses?

Use of family history to guide health counseling and screening

What is the main idea of genomic competencies in nursing?

ensure nurses can provide competent genomic-focused care

What is the goal of these competencies?

To create a minimum standard for preparing nurses to provide genetic and genomic care.

What do these competencies add to nursing practice?

genetic and genomic perspective

What are the ethical considerations in nursing and genomics?

Privacy and confidentiality, discrimination, equitable access to genomic technology and impact of genetic info

What are examples of genetic multifactorial diseases?

Neural tube disorders, cleft lip, palette, congenital heart disease, type 1 or 2 diabetes, breast, colon or lung cancers, MS, asthma, allergies, autoimmune, bipolar, schizophrenia, kidney stones, galls stone, obesity or gout

What is the primary prevention for gene/genomics?

Complete a family history since family shares genes, behaviors, lifestyles and environment that can influence their health

What is the secondary prevention for gene/genomics?

Reviewing health history, observing for any diseases that may have a genetic basis, if found refer patient to PCP

What is tertiary prevention for gene/genomics?

Genetic link to an early or a probable disease is found, guide the family changing any behaviors in order to minimize the effect of disease

Why should nurses be aware of their own beliefs about genetics/genomics?

Bc their attitudes and values can affect the care they give to patients.

What is the nurse's role in patient decision-making about genetics/genomics?

To support patients' rights to make their own informed and voluntary decisions.

What should nurses assess about patients and genetic/genomic information?

knowledge, perceptions, and how they respond to the information.

What types of issues should nurses consider with genetic/genomic care?

Ethical, cultural, religious, legal, financial, and social issues.

When should a nurse refer a patient for genetic/genomic services?

When patient needs specialized care or expertise.

What is genetic discrimination?

When people are treated differently by their employer or insurance company because they have gene mutation that causes or increases risk of inherited disorder

What law helps prevent genetic discrimination w/health insurance and employment?

Genetic Info Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

Which are the two major contributions that public health brings to the emerging science of genomics?

Assure the benefits of evidence based genomic knowledge are accessible to underserved populations and protect the public from premature and inappropriate use of genetic information through information, education, policy and legislation.

What is the population level Public health response?

raises public awareness of risk factors, encourages healthy lifestyles, supports evidence-based policies that decrease tobacco use on a population level and improves access to screening and care.

Example of population level Public health response?

African-American population living in the 'stroke belt' of the southeastern US has a high incidence of hypertension and stroke.

What is the individual level public health response?

Health care providers must assess each patient's specific risks and target interventions accordingly. (Individualized assessment and care)

Example of individual level public health response?

African-Americans individuals living in this area have greater or lesser degrees of individual risk that can only be assessed in light of their family history, lifestyle, habits, educational and socioeconomic status and access to care.