A 62-year-old man with emphysema says,"My doctor wants me to quit smoking.It's too late now,though; I already have lung problems." Which of the following would be the best response to his statement?
A) "You should quit so your family does not get sick from exposure to secondhand smoke."
B) "You will need to use oxygen, but remember it is a fire hazard to smoke with oxygen in your home."
C) "Once you stop smoking, your body will begin to repair some of the damage to your lungs."
D) "You should ask your primary care provider for a prescription for a nicotine patch to help you quit."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse's response should focus on correcting the patient's misinformation rather than on convincing him to stop smoking.Once a person stops smoking,the body begins to repair the damage.During the first few days,the person will cough more as the cilia begin to clear the airways.Then the coughing subsides,and breathing becomes easier.Even long-time smokers can benefit from smoking cessation.The suggestions that the patient's family will become ill and that oxygen is a fire hazard appear to be scare tactics,which can be seen as coercive,and would not be effective in motivating the patient to stop smoking.Although asking the primary care provider for a prescription may help the patient to stop smoking,it does not address his incorrect belief that it is "too late" for him to do so.

A 62-Year-Old Man with Emphysema Says,"My Doctor Wants Me to Quit