Question

Considering that smoking is the leading cause of COPD, an EP can be an important encourager and supporter of smoking cessation.How will you support clients who are dealing with the challenges of quitting smoking?

Answer 1

Smoking cessation helps to reduce the disease progression and support the recovery process. In this case, the client is a smoker since childhood, which is a potential risk factor for COPD and lung cancer. So, reducing the exposure to smoking is important in this scenario. Client education requires the explanation of the effect of cigarette smoking on current and future health status, which enhances the self-care of the patient.

Smoking 20 cigarettes per a day indicate craving for smoking, so the patient compliance, in this case, can be increased by suggesting nicotine gums, e-cigarettes, and similar products. The FDA approved pharmacotherapy of tobacco quitting include, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), an antidepressant drug bupropion and selective nicotine receptor partial agonist, varenicline. In addition to this, personal counseling would be helpful. These alternative products and patient counseling products help to reduce the withdrawal symptoms of smoking and enhance the self-management.