Genetic/Genomic Nursing Assessment

The fields of genetics and genomics have made significant strides in the past ten years, and researches are applying the results of research to many areas of health care. Because disease risk and health conditions are influenced by elements of environment, lifestyle, and genetics, the nurse needs to consider these factors when assessing families for genetic risks (Williams, Cashion, Shekar, & Ginsburg, 2016). The nurse uses the information gathered from a family health history to identify members who are at risk of diseases with a genetic influence and provides recommendations for health promotion, screening, and reproductive options (Rowe Kaakinen, Padgett Coehlo, Steele, Tabasco & Harmon Hanson, 2015-a). In this paper, I will complete a genetic/genomic nursing assessment on three generations of a family considering ethnic background, variations in growth and development, and the health and reproductive histories. I will also analyze the assessment results for disease risks and discuss recommendations for nursing interventions that …show more content…
For members that have a history of abnormal colon cells or colon cancer, screening colonoscopies should be performed at least every three years. Family members over 50 who have not had a colonoscopy within the past five years should ask about having one ordered. Since the 24-year-old daughter has family members on both sides of her family with a history colon cancer, she has a greater risk for colon cancer and should consider an early screening colonoscopy. To obtain more information about a genetic contribution to the family’s cancer, members with a history of colon cancer should be tested for Lynch syndrome if appropriate. This test identifies the presence of a familial gene mutation that increases the risk of colon, endometrial, ovarian, urinary, or gastrointestinal