Final answer:
Patients should avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes before using nicotine gum to ensure proper nicotine absorption and increase the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients using nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine gum, are advised not to eat or drink for 15 minutes before chewing the gum to prevent reduced nicotine absorption. The presence of food or beverages in the mouth can interfere with the absorption process, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of the therapy. Nicotine replacement therapy is designed to mitigate withdrawal symptoms temporarily, aiding individuals in their efforts to quit smoking. However, statistics show that a high percentage of individuals resort back to smoking within a year.
When chewing nicotine gum, patients should not eat or drink for 15 minutes before chewing. This is because foods and beverages can reduce nicotine absorption in the body. By waiting for 15 minutes, the patient ensures that the nicotine is fully absorbed, increasing its effectiveness in reducing cravings.