The nurse is caring for a male patient who states, "I have been smoking two packs of cigarettes a day for 20 years and now my nurse practitioner wants me to take vitamins
Do you think I need to take vitamins?" What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
a. "Smoking is bad for your health. I believe if you stop smoking you would certainly be better off and not have to take vitamins."
b. "Smokers use vitamin C faster than do nonsmokers, and is linked to iron deficiency. You can either eat more foods containing vitamin C and iron or take dietary supplements."
c. "It is probably a good idea. With your history of tobacco use, I'm sure you are lacking in vitamins and nutrients."
d. "I really cannot answer this question. You will need to speak with your nurse practitioner to find out more about this."
B
Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, smokers metabolize vitamin C faster than do nonsmokers. The more a person uses tobacco, the more vitamin C is lost, yet, the body needs more vitamin C to counteract the damage smoking causes to cells. Additionally, because vitamin C aids in absorption of iron, a low level of vitamin C is also linked to iron deficiency. If a person cannot quit smoking, vitamin C and iron supplementation may help compensate. This is the best explanation to give to the patient. It is informative and nonjudgmental. Nurses can answer these questions without having to refer the patient to the nurse practitioner. Telling a patient he would be better off not smoking may be true, but it reflects a judgmental attitude on the part of the nurse. Telling the patient that he is lacking in many vitamins is too broad and not helpful.
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