Final answer:
The nurse should assess for long-term effects of excessive marijuana use, which include impaired memory, slow reaction times, and altered judgment, along with potential respiratory issues and mental health risks like psychotic symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a patient who has used marijuana daily for the past 7 years, the nurse should monitor for manifestations of excessive use that may include long-term effects on cognition and physical health. The short-term effects while the patient is high can include altered senses, mood changes, and increased appetite, but these are not typically what the nurse would assess for in terms of long-term use. Manifestations of excessive long-term marijuana use that the nurse should assess for are:
- Impaired memory, which may impact short-term recall and the retention of new information.
- Slow reaction time, as marijuana use can affect physical coordination and response speeds.
- Altered judgment, leading to difficulties in decision making and problem-solving.
It's important to note that chronic marijuana use started in adolescence may affect brain development and contribute to these cognitive issues. Additional concerns for long-term users that the nurse might assess include respiratory issues due to smoking marijuana and potential mental health risks such as psychotic symptoms.