Question

The client taking a bronchodilator tells the nurse that he is going to begin a smoking cessation program when he is discharged. The nurse should tell the client to notify the doctor if his smoking pattern changes because he will:

a) Need his medication dosage adjusted
b) Require an increase in antitussive medication
c) No longer need annual influenza immunization
d) Not derive as much benefit from inhaler use

Answer 1

The client should notify the doctor because they may need their bronchodilator medication dosage adjusted upon changing their smoking pattern.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client taking a bronchodilator should notify the doctor if his smoking pattern changes because he will need his medication dosage adjusted. This is because smoking can affect how drugs are metabolized in the body. When a person quits smoking, the metabolism of certain medications can change, potentially requiring a dosage adjustment to maintain therapeutic levels. Cigarette smoking can induce certain enzymes in the liver that metabolize drugs, and cessation could lead to a decreased requirement for the bronchodilator.

It is also crucial to mention that quitting smoking has numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD and lung cancer. Moreover, smoking cessation can decrease the risk of respiratory infections, as it helps in improving the function of the respiratory and immune systems. As for the nurse's advice, it is not related to an increase in antitussive medication, annual influenza immunization, or deriving benefits from inhaler use in the context of quitting smoking.