Search

Background: This quasi-experimental study explored full-time nurse faculty competency in genomics and genetics using a validated measure prior to and following educational sessions during one academic semester. The findings represent the researchers' efforts to educate nurse faculty and to support their competency in genomics and genetics as information shared with students is only as robust as faculty knowledge.Methods: Faculty who consented to participate completed the Genomic Nurse Concept Inventory (GNCI©) to measure their knowledge of the concepts surrounding genomics and genetics prior to the education intervention and then following all three education sessions. The education sessions were carried out over a semester using a lunch and learn forum.Results: Our first assumption was that 50% of faculty would score below 70% on the pretest. Eligible nurse faculty 29/48 (60%) completed the GNCI© and scores show they had limited knowledge in three areas: nomenclature of genes and gene function, inheritance patterns, and the clinical application of genomics to human disease. Over half of nurse faculty 17/29 (59%) scored less than 70% on the GNCI© supporting our first assumption. The second assumption that over 85% of faculty would score at least 70% on the GNCI© after the education was not supported. The education sessions improved scores on the GNCI© in the 12/29 (41%) faculty who completed the measures prior to and after the intervention.Conclusion: Despite the growing knowledge about genomics/genetics and the application to clinical practice, health professionals like nurses are not competent in these concepts. Nursing faculty require competency in genomics and genetics in order to integrate these concepts in nursing curricula. Outcomes of this project show the need to provide education and support for nurse faculty in genomics and genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on how pharmacogenomics can aid nurses provide better care for patients. It illustrates an example of a lady aged 62 who experienced an acute myocardial infarction and was prescribed with genetic testing which resulted in better outcome. It discusses pharmacogenomic implications with warfarin drug, including antiplatelet therapy, mental health, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy, and oncology. Further discussed are limitations of genetic testing.

Sugammadex sodium is the generic drug name for the novelmodified gamma cyclodextrin that terminates neuromuscular blockade induced by aminosteroidal neuromuscular blocking agents. Published phase II and phase III clinical data support preclinical and clinical phase I study findings of fast, safe, and efficacious reversal of all levels of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium and vecuronium. Low levels of neuromuscular blockade induced by pancuronium have also been successfully reversed by sugammadex. This agent does not reverse the bis-isoquinoline neuromuscular blocking agents. Special patient populations, including pediatric, elderly, cardiac, and renal-compromised subjects, have been studied in phase III. This update focuses on the most recent findings of phase II and III clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights updated American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women in the United States. The AHA suggeststhat comprehensive assessment and reduction of contributing factors can extend survival, improve quality of life, and reduce the incidence of subsequent coronary events. Lifestyle modifications are the foundation of preventing and managing diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity.

Provides information on how to recognize heart disease in women and to help them get proper treatment. Factors that affect the risk of cardiovascular disease in women; Effort of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and by the American Heart Association to increase awareness on heart disease in women; Heart disease treatment for women; Goals of cardiac rehabilitation. INSETS: THE HEART TRUTH;GO RED FOR WOMEN.

Discusses alternative assessment of student achievement in middle schools. Rationale for changing assessment; Testing as a technology; Evolution of testing as a technology; Photograph analogy for testing; Research concerning alternative assessment.

The article discusses American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women and describes the risk factors and disparities related to healthcare delivery in the U.S. It states that increase in average body weight leads to increase in CVD in American women. It provides comparison between 2007 and 2011 guidelines and states that use of aspirin therapy helps in reducing CVD in women. It also advices nurses on how to implement these guidelines. INSETS: Encompassing global issues;Startling statistics.

Find out by reading this analysis of the new AHA guidelines for assessing and managing risk.

Heart disease in men is declining steadily, but it remains the number one killer of men in the United States. CLRD, influenza/pneumonia, and lung cancer are three more causes of top 10 mortalities in men. Epidemiological and clinical studies conclude that CVD is largely preventable through lifestyle modification. CHD, COPD, occupational lung disease, and lung cancer are all preventable by primary prevention (ie, no cigarette smoking). All men should be counseled about the grave significance of heart and lung disease as a cause of illness and death, the importance of primary prevention, and the great variability in symptom presentation. Nurses are in the ideal position to educate patients, families, and colleagues about heart and lung disease.

The pace of knowledge development related to genetics continues to progress exponentially. Knowledge gained through the Human Genome Project will have a profound impact on the practice of nursing, and the widespread integration of genetics into nursing education, clinical practice, and research will be essential. Many nurses continue to view genetic services as relegated to a specialist in a tertiary center and not relevant to their practice. This is certainly about to change. This article reviews the major implications of Human Genome Project for changing the landscape of health care and nursing, discusses several specific examples of genetic testing, and describes strategies under way to help prepare nurses to meet these new demands. Understanding new DNA-based genetic-testing technologies will be important for nurses as these tests become more available and nurses assist clients in the management of their genetic health. Nurses must become active participants in embracing the challenges and opportunities related to this genetic revolution, which over the next 5 to 10 years will reach nurses in every specialty and in every practice setting.