While assessing a patient, the nurse notes an irregularity that has been observed in other patients, but on an inconsistent basis. This nurse has most likely discovered which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A polymorphism is a common variation in DNA that does not usually cause disease or major changes in the normal function of a gene, but can contribute to individual differences, including variations in disease susceptibility, drug metabolism, and response to therapy. The fact that the irregularity is observed inconsistently in other patients suggests that it may be a common polymorphism. Mutations, on the other hand, refer to changes in DNA that alter the normal function of a gene, and can cause disease or other significant effects. Single-gene and X-linked inheritance patterns refer to specific ways that genetic traits are passed down from parents to their children, and are not relevant to the situation described in the question.

While Assessing a Patient, the Nurse Notes an Irregularity That