You are a nurse who treats patients that have many different genetic health issues. At your last staff meeting, your nursing supervisor asked each nurse to develop an educational fact sheet for a genetic-based health issue that you encounter in your day-to-day practice, as well as to respond to some questions related to the genetic-based health issue. You will select a genetic-based health issue, create a fact sheet for the genetic-based health issue you selected, and provide a written response related to the genetic-based health issue you selected.
This assessment has two parts. Create a 1- to 2-page patient education fact sheet for a genetic-based health issue that addresses the following:
- Provide a brief history of the genetic-based health issue you selected, including a description of the genetic-based health issue.
- Analyze statistical information on the genetic-based health issue you selected.
- Be sure to support the statistical information about the genetic-based health issue you selected with evidence from at least three additional scholarly resources.
- Summarize the characteristic signs and symptoms associated with the genetic-based health issue you selected.
- Explain how patients are screened, diagnosed, and treated for the genetic-based health issue you selected.
- Describe patient screening and diagnoses related to the genetic-based health issue you selected.
- Explain any medications that may be used to treat the genetic-based health issue you selected.
- Explain whether pharmacogenomics are being used to treat the genetic-based health issue you selected, or whether research in pharmacogenomics is being conducted for this genetic-based health issue by providing two examples.
When developing your patient education fact sheet, keep in mind that the fact sheet should be visually appealing and appropriate for your patient audience. The patient education fact sheet should be formatted for easy reading, including the use of bullet points and short sentences. Be sure to include at least three scholarly resources in the creation of your patient education fact sheet in addition to the resources for this Competency Assessment.
Provide a 1-page written response that addresses the following related to your patient education fact sheet:
- Explain the nurse’s role in advocating for the patient diagnosed with the genetic-based health issue you selected for your fact sheet.
- Explain the ethical considerations nurses should be prepared to address with patients as they consider information presented in the fact sheet.
- Support these considerations with evidence from at least three scholarly resources in addition to the resources for this Competency Assessment.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Genetic-based health issues can have a significant impact on an individual’s health and well-being. As a nurse, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of these health issues and be able to effectively communicate this knowledge to patients. This competency assessment focuses on the development of a patient education fact sheet for a genetic-based health issue, followed by a written response addressing the nurse’s role in advocating for the patient and ethical considerations nurses should address.
Patient Education Fact Sheet:
The genetic-based health issue chosen for this patient education fact sheet is cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs.
Statistical information on CF shows that approximately 30,000 individuals in the United States live with the condition and about 1,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The median predicted survival age for those with CF is now over 40 years. Sources such as The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide further statistical information that can be found on the references page of this fact sheet.
Characteristic signs and symptoms of CF include chronic cough with thick mucus, frequent lung infections, wheezing, shortness of breath, poor growth/weight gain, and salty-tasting skin. Patients with CF are usually screened for the disease at birth through a blood test, and genetic testing is also available to confirm the diagnosis. Genetic counseling may be recommended for patients who are carriers of the CF gene.
Treatment for CF includes airway clearance techniques, inhaled medications, antibiotics, and nutritional supplements. Currently, there are two FDA-approved medications that target the defective protein in CF patients with specific mutations. Additionally, there is ongoing research in pharmacogenomics related to CF, such as the development of personalized therapies and treatment options.
Written Response:
The nurse’s role in advocating for a patient diagnosed with CF includes providing comprehensive education about the disease, its management, and providing appropriate emotional and psychological support. The nurse must work collaboratively with the healthcare team to ensure the patient is receiving the best possible care. Additionally, the nurse must advocate for policies that allow patients with CF to have increased access to treatments and therapies.
Ethical considerations that nurses must address with patients diagnosed with CF include issues related to genetic testing, confidentiality of patient information, and end-of-life care. Nurses should be respectful of the patient’s privacy and autonomy during genetic testing and ensure that the patient receives counseling before and after testing. Moreover, nurses must be aware of the guidelines related to patient confidentiality in sharing information about the patient’s illness with family members. In end-of-life care, nurses must work with the healthcare team to provide adequate comfort and dignity to the patient, while respecting the patient’s wishes, culture, and beliefs.
In conclusion, as healthcare providers, it is important for nurses to have a comprehensive understanding of genetic-based health issues, such as cystic fibrosis, and to be able to effectively communicate this knowledge to patients. Nurses must advocate for patients with CF and address ethical considerations to provide holistic care that encompasses the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the patient.
