A client asks the nurse how something as small as a gene can change the way a medication works. Which responses would be most accurate?

Question

Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. "A change in a gene can make enzymes function poorly."
2. "Changes in a gene can result in the absence of the enzymes needed for the drug to work correctly."
3. "A genetic alteration can make enzymes work too much, which changes the way the drug works."
4. "Genetic changes can make enzymes that will work only on specific medications."
5. "Changes in a gene can result in enzymes that cause rapid fatal results in the presence of some medications."

Answer 1

1,2,3,4
Rationale 1: Variant alleles may result in poorly functioning or nonfunctioning enzymes.
Rationale 2: Variant alleles can result in reduced or absent enzymes.
Rationale 3: Variant alleles can result in enzymes that do their work too well.
Rationale 4: Because of certain genetic changes, a specific drug from a class may work while others in the class will not.
Rationale 5: The science of pharmacogenetics has not yet advanced to the point where rapid fatal changes have been discovered, but has identified serious adverse effects with potentially fatal consequences.