Final answer:
When a patient uses a nicotine patch, the nurse should monitor for signs of nicotine overdose, skin reactions, and cardiovascular status, providing patient education on proper use, potential side effects, and the need for supportive measures for quitting smoking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nicotine Patch Monitoring and Patient Education
When a nurse is monitoring a patient using a nicotine patch, several factors should be considered. The nurse should monitor for signs of nicotine overdose, which could include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, and rapid heartbeat. It's also important to keep an eye on the skin reaction at the patch site, such as redness or irritation, as well as general signs of allergic reactions. The nurse should assess the patient's cardiovascular status because nicotine can have effects on the heart and blood vessels, and they should monitor for any psychological effects such as mood swings or anxiety which might indicate difficulty with the withdrawal process.
As for patient education, the nurse should inform the patient about proper use of the nicotine patch, including how to apply it, the importance of following the recommended schedule, and the need to avoid smoking or using other forms of tobacco while using the patch. The patient should be educated on the potential side effects and advised to report any adverse reactions. Furthermore, they should be encouraged to engage in supportive measures such as counseling or support groups, and to set a quit date for stopping tobacco use entirely. Since motivation plays a crucial role in quitting smoking, nurses should also provide reinforcement and praise for the patient's efforts to quit.
It's critical to mention that although nicotine replacement therapy, such as the nicotine patch, can aid in reducing withdrawal symptoms, a high percentage of individuals may return to smoking. Therefore, a comprehensive quit plan including behavioral support is recommended for higher success rates.