Final answer:
The best response to the pregnant patient's request for a cigarette is to suggest considering nicotine replacement therapy, which is a safer alternative to smoking during pregnancy and can help manage withdrawal symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
In response to the question of a hospitalized pregnant patient requesting to be escorted outside for a cigarette, the nurse's best response is, "Have you considered nicotine replacement therapy while you're pregnant?" This option, represented by choice B, is the most supportive and health-conscious response that acknowledges the addictive nature of nicotine but also factors in the patient's well-being and that of her developing baby.
Smoking during pregnancy is strongly discouraged because it introduces nicotine and other harmful substances to both the mother and the fetus. Nicotine is a substance that can pass through the placenta, and when a mother smokes, it can significantly reduce blood oxygen levels for the fetus. This has been linked to several risks including premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) could be a temporary measure to help the mother cope with withdrawal symptoms and diminish the smoking habit. While NRT is not free from risks and still presents some effects on the cardiovascular system, it is deemed to be a safer alternative as compared to smoking tobacco, which contains many carcinogens and other harmful substances.