A hypertensive client is admitted to the acute care facility that has a tobacco-free policy. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate for the nurse to assist the client who is a smoker?

Question

A) Allow the client to go outside to smoke.
B) Anticipate withdrawal symptoms and treat accordingly.
C) Contact the physician for a nonnicotine medication.
D) Offer the client nicotine gum.

Answer 1

C
Feedback:
There are pharmacologic agents that are nonnicotine medications such as Zyban and Chantix, which are dopamine uptake inhibitors that help suppress nicotine's addicting reinforcement. The order for these medications must be initiated by the physician and should lower the incidence of withdrawal symptoms for the client. Tobacco-free institutions do not permit smoking outdoors, and this activity should not be encouraged by the nurse. Offering nicotine gum without a physician's order is not appropriate. The nurse should anticipate withdrawal symptoms and provide kind supportive encouragement.