Answer choices
- A tell him he will have to stop smoking
- B allow him to smoke unattended, when he chooses
- C make sure he is attended when he smokes
- D tell his family about his smoking
Correct answer: C. make sure he is attended when he smokes
Clinical Rationale
Make sure he is attended when he smokes.
Mr. Hyde's Parkinson's disease and severe tremors pose safety risks, especially while smoking. Ensuring he is attended during smoking provides necessary support and reduces the risk of accidents, such as burns or falls.
A) Tell him he will have to stop smoking
While addressing smoking cessation is important for health, outright telling Mr. Hyde he must stop may not be effective or respectful of his autonomy. Additionally, it fails to acknowledge his current state and the need for safety measures during smoking rather than banning the activity entirely.
B) Allow him to smoke unattended, when he chooses
Allowing Mr. Hyde to smoke unattended poses significant safety risks due to his tremors, which could lead to accidents, fires, or serious injuries. It is crucial to prioritize his safety by ensuring he is supervised during such activities.
D) Tell his family about his smoking
While informing the family about Mr. Hyde's smoking can be important for overall health management, it does not directly address the immediate need for safety while he smokes. The nursing assistant's priority should be to ensure Mr. Hyde's safety during smoking rather than simply notifying his family.
Conclusion
In managing Mr. Hyde's condition, ensuring he is attended while smoking is essential for his safety due to the risks associated with Parkinson's disease and tremors. While addressing smoking habits and involving family members are important aspects of care, the immediate focus must be on providing supervision to prevent accidents during his smoking sessions. This approach balances patient autonomy with necessary safety precautions.