Transcript Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 4th ed. Lilley/Harrington

Chapter 8
Gene Therapy and Pharmacogenomics
Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Basic Principles of Genetic
Inheritance
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Nucleic acids
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DNA and RNA
Chromosomes
Genes
Alleles
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Genotype
Phenotype
Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Basic Principles of Genetic
Inheritance (cont’d)
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Inherited disease/genetic disease
Acquired disease
Genetic predisposition
Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Genetics
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Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
Chromosomes
Chromatin
Four organic bases in DNA
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Adenine (A)
 Thymine (T)
 Guanine (G)
 Cytosine (C)
Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Human Genome Project (HGP)
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Started in 1990, completed in 2003
Identified the estimated 30,000 genes and 3
billion base pairs in the DNA of an entire
human genome
Improved prevention, treatment, and cures for
disease
Developed new tools for genetic data
analysis and storage
Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Gene Therapy
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Using genetic material to treat or prevent
disease
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Gene transfer
Recombinant forms of drugs (rDNA)
Regulatory and ethical issues
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Eugenics
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Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Classroom Response Question
Which statement regarding gene therapy is accurate?
A. Gene therapy is commonly used for the treatment of
disease.
B. During gene therapy, segments of RNA are injected into
the patient’s body.
C. Bacteria are used for gene transfer.
D. The majority of the world’s insulin supply has been
produced by recombinant gene technology.
Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Gene Therapy (cont’d)
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Pharmacogenomics
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Genetic polymorphisms
Personalized medicine
DNA microarray technology
Clinical applications of pharmacogenomics
Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Nursing Implications
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Take thorough patient, family, and drug histories
Recognize situations that may warrant further
investigation through genetic testing
Identify resources for patients
Maintain confidentiality and privacy
Ensure that informed consent is obtained
Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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Classroom Response Question
A patient’s daughter asks the nurse, “What did the test
results show? I know they were doing genetic testing on my
mother.” How should the nurse respond?
A. Refer the daughter to the patient’s physician.
B. Review the patient’s medical record with the daughter.
C. Ask the patient about the test results when the daughter
enters the room.
D. Remind the daughter that private information cannot be
discussed without the patient’s permission.
Copyright © 2014 by Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
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