Answer 2 for DNP 810 Why is it important to have a comprehensive health and physical assessment that includes information on environment and genomic influences? 

Comprehensive patient health assessment is an important first step in developing a plan to deliver the best patient care. Health assessments are a key part of a nurse’s role and responsibility. The assessment is a tool to learn about patient’s concerns, symptoms and overall health. A comprehensive health assessment usually begins with a health history, which includes information about the patient’s past medical illnesses or injuries including childhood illnesses and immunizations, hospitalizations, surgeries, allergies and chronic illnesses. It also includes patient family history, environmental and genetic factors.

Environmental exposures substantially contribute to the etiology of many common complex human diseases. Environmental exposure means chemicals such as metals and solvents, and biological agents such as toxins released from mold and bacteria, that are contaminants of the natural environment of air, water, and soil. It also encompasses lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. For most common diseases, such as obesity, asthma, and neurodegenerative disease, environmental exposures represent an important factor contributing to the development and progression of disease. With information about the patient’s genetic predisposition being vital for the identification of the right diagnosis, treatment, and dosage, a comprehensive health examination is not possible without considering genomic influences.

DNP prepared nurse can demonstrate a high level of awareness in the field of genomics, and may identify patients at risk of genetically determined diseases. To increase the nurse’s genomic competencies, DNP prepared nurse can provide additional educational opportunities for nurses in those areas for improved outcome.

McCormick, K. A., & Calzone, K., A. (2016). The impact of genomics on health outcomes, quality and safety. Nursing Management, 47(4), 23-26. Web.