The student nurse has been reading about the Human Genome Project ...

[Metfan725]

The student nurse has been reading about the Human Genome Project and asks the nursing instructor how this will impact future pharmacological therapies. What is the best response by the instructor?
 
  1. We will be able to alter genes so we will not need drugs.
  2. We will be able to standardize drug doses to make prescribing easier.
  3. It will help prevent disease through gene manipulation, but will not impact drugs.
  4. It will help to individualize drug therapy for people in a more effective way.

Question 2

The patient was receiving haloperidol (Haldol), a dopamine antagonist. The psychiatrist changed the order to aripiprazole (Abilify), a partial dopamine antagonist. Which statement best describes the effect of the change of medication on the patient?
 
  1. The patient is more compliant in taking his medication.
  2. The patient experiences greater efficacy.
  3. The patient experiences a greater reduction in symptoms.
  4. The patient experiences fewer side effects.

[Hikerman221]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: The goal of pharmacogenetics is to help individualize drug therapy for people in a more effective way. Altering genes to prevent illness is a possibility, but we will always need medications. Individuals will still respond differently to medications; not all drugs will have standardized doses. Medications will be very much impacted by this research.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Partial blocking of dopamine results in fewer side effects than complete blocking of dopamine. The patient will not necessarily experience greater efficacy or be more compliant in taking the medicine. Experiencing a greater reduction in symptoms is the same as greater efficacy.

[Metfan725]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[olderstudent]

Excellent