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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because nicotine is a component of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), NRT is not safe during pregnancy. However, it is safer than smoking, and if it can help the patient stop smoking, it is recommended with caution. Psychosocial support is more effective when combined with a first-line pharmacologic agent. Varenicline has been shown to have harmful effects on fetuses in animal testing, so it should be avoided during pregnancy. Tapering nicotine withdrawal only seems to prolong the withdrawal symptoms; abrupt cessation is better than a taper.

A Patient Who Has Just Found Out She Is Pregnant