Final answer:
The nurse should educate the patient on the proper use of nicotine replacement therapy, and its potential cardiovascular effects, and encourage strategies to manage cravings and avoid relapse. Statements suggesting the risk of stroke or heart attack with smoking or sudden cessation of nicotine therapy are inaccurate and not supported by evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy Education
When educating a patient who is prescribed nicotine replacement therapy, a nurse should provide information that ensures the patient is aware of the risks and correct practices associated with the treatment. Statement A is factually inaccurate since smoking while on nicotine replacement therapy increases the nicotine level in your system but doesn't directly increase stroke risk, and it isn't typically the focus of such education. Statement B, while advisable for behavior change, is not necessarily related to the pharmacological aspects of nicotine replacement. Statement C is unrelated to nicotine therapy. Statement D suggests severe consequences of abrupt discontinuation of nicotine replacement therapy which is not supported by evidence; hence, it is also incorrect.
Instead, it would be more appropriate to inform the patient about the potential side effects of nicotine on the cardiovascular system, due to the stimulatory effects of nicotine on the sympathetic nervous system which can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, educating the patient about the proper use of nicotine replacement products, possible interactions with other medications, and the importance of following the prescribed regime to increase the chance of successful quitting would be vital. It is essential to encourage ongoing communication about any adverse effects or concerns the patient may experience during therapy.
Given that nicotine replacement therapy is a temporary measure meant to reduce withdrawal symptoms and assist in the cessation of smoking, education should be supportive and realistic about the challenges of quitting smoking. This includes the acknowledgment that many people may relapse and the importance of developing strategies for managing cravings and avoiding relapse.