A nurse is providing teaching to a client who reports smoking 3 packs of cigarettes per day and has a prescription for nicotine gum. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Nicotine gum should be chewed slowly until a peppery taste is experienced, then "parked" between the gum and cheek until the taste fades, and then chewed again. Chewing the gum slowly over 30 minutes allows nicotine to be absorbed through the buccal mucosa, providing controlled nicotine delivery to help manage cravings. This method ensures optimal effectiveness and minimizes potential side effects from rapid absorption.B. Chewing more than 40 pieces of nicotine gum per day can lead to excessive nicotine intake, potentially resulting in nicotine toxicity. Therefore, it's important for the client to adhere to the recommended dosage to maintain safety and effectiveness of the treatment.C. Nicotine gum is typically used as a short-term aid to help manage withdrawal symptoms during the initial stages of smoking cessation. While nicotine gum can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, it is not meant to be used for 9 months continuously. It is usually recommended for up to 12 weeks initially, with gradual reduction in use over time to eventually stop using it.D. Drinking water before using nicotine gum helps moisten the mouth and enhances the absorption of nicotine through the buccal mucosa. This instruction helps optimize the delivery of nicotine from the gum and improves the client's experience with using nicotine gum as a smoking cessation aid.