Question

A patient continues to smoke despite repeated instruction and information that the medical assistant provides at appointments. She says that she smokes because her friends all smoke. Which of the following age groups is she likely to be in?

a. senior citizen
b. middle age adult
c. adolescent
d. school age child
e. late 20s adult

Answer 1

The patient likely belongs to the adolescent age group, as the continued smoking behavior despite its known health risks is often associated with peer influence, a common factor among adolescents.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient continues to smoke despite knowing the health risks and consequences, and mainly due to peer influence from friends who also smoke, the patient is likely to be in the adolescent age group. Smoking can cause various health issues including chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, increased risk of respiratory infections like bronchitis and flu, and chronic kidney disease. Additionally, smoking is a major risk factor for many cancers, heart disease, stroke, and numerous other serious health conditions. Due to these health risks associated with smoking, it is crucial for individuals, especially the young, to receive education on the dangers of smoking and find support to quit this harmful behavior.