A patient with a desire to stop smoking asks a nurse about ...

[jessicacav]

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.

Question 2

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.

[sailorcrescent]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Nicorette gum is available in two strengths, 2 mg and 4 mg. Patients who smoke more than 25 cigarettes per day should use the 4-mg strength. Dosing the gum on a regular schedule of every 2 to 3 hours has proved to be more effective than as-needed use. Use of the gum longer than 6 months total is not recommended, and the gum should be stopped 3 months after the last cigarette. PRN dosing is not as effective as regular dosing. The dose for a heavy smoker is 4-mg strength gum, one piece every 2 to 3 hours.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Dosing for the nicotine nasal spray should be 1 spray in each nostril once or twice an hour, up to 5 times per hour. The spray causes a rapid rise in blood nicotine levels with each dose, which more closely simulates smoking. After 4 to 6 weeks, dosing should be gradually reduced and then stopped. Many people become dependent on the spray.