A patient who smokes a pack of cigarettes daily develops tachycardia and irritability on the second day after abdominal surgery. What is the nurse's best action at this time?
a. Escort the patient outside where smoking is allowed.
b. Move the patient to a private room and allow smoking.
c. Tell the patient that this is a good time to quit smoking.
d. Request a prescription for a nicotine replacement agent.
ANS: D
Nicotine replacement agents should be prescribed for patients who smoke and are hospitalized to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Allowing the patient to smoke encourages ongoing smoking. Urging the patient to quit smoking is appropriate, but the first action should be to obtain appropriate medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
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