A nurse is admitting a 45-year-old man to the medical-surgical unit who has been diagnosed with Buerger's disease

Question

During his health history, he reveals that he smokes about 2 packs of cigarettes a day, has a history of alcohol abuse, and does not exercise. The priority teaching for this patient would focus on:
A) The lack of exercise, which is the identified cause of Buerger's disease
B) The likelihood that drinking alcohol and not exercising may cause his death in the near future without a significant change in behavior
C) The fact that smoke contains nicotine, which is a powerful vasoconstrictor and may cause or aggravate Buerger's disease
D) The fact that alcohol suppresses the immune system, creates high glucose levels, and may cause Buerger's disease

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback: Tobacco is a powerful vasoconstrictor. Its use with Buerger's disease is highly detrimental, and patients are strongly advised to stop using tobacco. Symptoms are often relieved by cessation of smoking and the use of all types of tobacco. Option A is incorrect; the identified cause of Buerger's disease is believed to be autoimmune in nature, resulting in occlusion of distal vessels. Option B is incorrect; although drinking alcohol is not suggested and exercise is encouraged for patients with Buerger's disease, there is no evidence to suggest that "drinking alcohol and not exercising" dramatically increases patients' short-term risk of death. Option D is incorrect; alcohol is not a significant factor or cause of Buerger's disease.