Chapter 39 DRUG ABUSE 3

A patient who wants to quit smoking has a prescription for varenicline [Chantix], which will be used with a nicotine patch. The patient asks the nurse why the varenicline is necessary. Which statement by the nurse is correct? a. "It helps patients experiencing withdrawal to sleep better." b. "It helps reduce anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms." c. "It will help reduce the likelihood of addiction to the patch." d. "The drug blocks nicotine's access to 'pleasure' receptors."

d. "The drug blocks nicotine's access to 'pleasure' receptors."

A patient who has just found out she is pregnant tells the nurse she wants to quit smoking. She asks about pharmacologic aids to help her quit. The nurse is correct to tell her what? a. "Nicotine replacement therapy is harmful, but it is safer than smoking, so it can be used." b. "Psychosocial support is the only recommended treatment for smoking cessation during pregnancy." c. "Varenicline [Chantix] is safe to use during pregnancy." d. "You should try to taper off your smoking gradually, because none of the drugs are safe."

a. "Nicotine replacement therapy is harmful, but it is safer than smoking, so it can be used."

A patient asks about nicotine patches for smoking cessation and wants to know the difference between the 24-hour patch and the 16-hour patch. Which response by the nurse is correct? a. "The 16-hour patch is for patients who have trouble sleeping." b. "The 16-hour patch simulates usual nicotine ingestion patterns." c. "The 24-hour patch is for persons weighing more than 100 pounds." d. "The 24-hour patch is recommended for heavier smokers."

b. "The 16-hour patch simulates usual nicotine ingestion patterns."

A patient with a desire to stop smoking asks a nurse about nicotine chewing gum [Nicorette]. The patient currently smokes 30 cigarettes per day. Which statement by the nurse is correct? a. "Stop using the gum 6 months after you stop using cigarettes." b. "Use the 4-mg strength gum and chew one piece every 2 to 3 hours." c. "Use the gum whenever you feel a craving for a cigarette." d. "You should start with 30 pieces of the 2-mg strength gum per day."

b. "Use the 4-mg strength gum and chew one piece every 2 to 3 hours."

The spouse of a patient who smokes wonders why anyone would want to engage in "such a disgusting habit." What will the nurse tell the spouse? a. Nicotine causes relaxation and helps with sleep. b. Nicotine increases alertness and promotes dopamine release. c. Nicotine lowers blood pressure. d. Nicotine settles the stomach and reduces nausea and vomiting.

b. Nicotine increases alertness and promotes dopamine release.

A patient reports a desire to stop smoking and asks what is available without a prescription to help with smoking cessation. The nurse tells the patient that which method is best? a. Abrupt discontinuation to shorten withdrawal effects b. Nicotine replacement and 1-800-QUITNOW c. Nicotine replacement products tapered over a year d. Support groups without the use of medications

b. Nicotine replacement and 1-800-QUITNOW

A prescriber has ordered nicotine nasal spray for a patient to assist with smoking cessation. Which statement will the nurse include when teaching the patient about the medication? a. "This will produce a steady level of nicotine to reduce your cravings." b. "You should gradually reduce the dose after 3 months of use." c. "You should use 1 spray in each nostril per dose up to 5 times per hour." d. "You will not develop dependence on the nicotine in the nasal spray."

c. "You should use 1 spray in each nostril per dose up to 5 times per hour."

A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with symptoms of nausea and vomiting and a weak, thready pulse of 120 beats per minute after ingesting several cigarettes at home. The nurse caring for this child will expect to provide which treatment? a. Gastric lavage b. Hemodialysis c. Respiratory support d. Vasoconstrictors

c. Respiratory support

A patient who wants to quit smoking has begun taking varenicline [Chantix]. The patient reports experiencing mood swings and depression and a desire to cause harm to herself. What will the nurse tell this patient? a. "These symptoms are common and will disappear over time." b. "These symptoms may indicate an underlying psychiatric disorder." c. "You may need an increased dose to overcome these symptoms of nicotine withdrawal." d. "You should notify your provider of these symptoms immediately."

d. "You should notify your provider of these symptoms immediately."