A patient in the clinic explains to a nurse that she just found ...

[oliviahorn72]

A patient in the clinic explains to a nurse that she just found out that she is pregnant. The dilemma is that she smokes about a half pack of cigarettes per day. What is the most appropriate information the nurse should offer the patient?
 
  a. Immediate abstinence would be best for you and the baby.
  b. All nicotine crosses the placental barrier and can harm the fetus.
  c. Reduce your smoking by one cigarette a day until you are smoke free.
  d. Nicotine gum is a safe alternative.

Question 2

The nurse at a clinic is providing education to a patient with recurrent otitis externa. The nurse is evaluating the patient's understanding of the instructions. Which statement by the patient best demonstrates understanding?
 
  a. I'll keep the ear canal free of earwax.
  b. I'll keep the ear canal as dry as possible.
  c. I can use cotton-tipped applicators to dry my ear.
  d. I should insert ear plugs when showering and swimming.

[DylanD1323]

Answer to Question 1

B
The first and most appropriate information the nurse can provide is that exposure to nicotine can harm the developing fetus and the mother.
Immediate abstinence would be best, but certainly not without difficulty. This would be impor-tant to discuss with the patient once she is informed of the potential harm.
Reducing the number of cigarettes still exposes the fetus to nicotine, therefore this option would be inappropriate and encourages continued use.
Nicotine gum is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Answer to Question 2

B
The patient should keep the ear and canal as dry as possible to inhibit further growth of bacteria in the ear.
Removing earwax (cerumen) may cause further abrasion of the epithelium and create an opening for bacterial entry.
Cotton-tipped applicators may also cause abrasions inside the already inflamed and tender ear.
Ear plugs are not necessary and may contribute to further abrasions in the ear.

[oliviahorn72]

Thanks

[DylanD1323]

Welcome