Re: cs exam
TheOne - 01-12-08 13:02

Some basic questions to ask smoking patient:

1) "Can you please tell me more about your smoking?"
2) "When did you start smoking?" ("When I was in college")
3) "As you know, some people smoke and some people don't. What were the circumstances that caused you begin smoking?" ("I was in college and everyone smoked. My father had smoked my entire life.")
4) "How do you feel about smoking? I mean do you like smoking?" ("Yes, I love smoking. It’s a social time and it relaxes me.")
5) "How many cigarettes do you smoke a day?" ("About two packs.")
6) "Are you concerned about your health?" (" No, I don’t inhale. I just as soon could get run over by a truck tomorrow.)
7) "Is stress or depression a reason for your smoking?"("When I’m tense or nervous smoking helps me relax.")
8) "Have you ever had any smoking related problems, like any cough or shortness of breath?" ("Well, when I get a cold it goes into my chest and I get very congested. I have a deep cough. Also, I used to play tennis a lot and find it difficult now because I start breathing so hard.")

In your counseling with a smoking patient, don’t begin by attacking her negatively. Rather than beginning with, "Mrs. Jacobson, you must stop smoking, you’re killing yourself." The patient is being told to stop a habit/addiction that is incredibly difficult to do. There are social, emotional, and physical aspects all involved in this decision.
Depending on how you pose your comments and questions, the patient could feel defensive and angry, or comfortable and willing to open up. Always start in a nonjudgmental manner.