asking a patient if they smoke

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

Asking a patient if he/she smokes is an appropriate question at all ages from adolescence to old age. Smoking is a significant determinant of health status.

melizerd, ASN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

I totally agree, asking all patients is the norm.

I also ask about sexual activity, even when my patients are 90, and you'd be surprised how many are still active. So it's just one of the many health questions I ask on admission.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Dec 17, 2014

In the Pediatric ICU, we ask ages ten and up, but I question the parents about second hand exposure for all ages, including newborn.

(Here's a little passive/aggressive tip I learned from one of our docs: When the parents swear that they only smoke outdoors/ away from the child, ask them "If I went down to your car right now in the parking lot, would there be butts in the ashtray?")

RN403, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

I agree with melizard. You'd be surprised what people do at all ages. I always ask, regardless of age.

Nellievixxen2017 · Dec 17, 2014

Thank you. I have asked younger than 18.But I hear 18 is the age appropriate.

Nellievixxen2017 · Dec 17, 2014

I've actually asked 15 year old and they laugh but then say yes but not really. OK. Enplane. They.They say yes but only when my parents aren't around.

laKrugRN · Dec 18, 2014

I ask at 13. This is what I was told to do when I worked in the clinic.

happyinmyheart · Dec 18, 2014

I totally agree, asking all patients is the norm.
I also ask about sexual activity, even when my patients are 90, and you'd be surprised how many are still active. So it's just one of the many health questions I ask on admission.

Yikes! I can only imagine how many teens lie about this one

toomuchbaloney · Dec 18, 2014

I worked in peds for a spell both acute care and in community based nursing.

If the middle school kid had parents that smoked I asked them if they ever smoked any of their parents cigarettes, then we had a talk about the health risks associated with smoking...as well as the ways it makes them smell and taste bad to the other boys and girls. Some pre-adolescents are concerned with that sort of thing. Those type of conversations can be good informal teaching opportunities.

Nellievixxen2017 · Dec 18, 2014

I have asked when we do well child appts. and the mother said "wow, I can't believe you're asking my 11 year old. I said I'm sorry mam but its part of the questions for that age group. She said ahh no hes not nor has he experienced that. The young man said wait mom, Yes i am . She was blown away but we have to ask. So when we had the CEO of the company give us a questionnaire to see if were asking certain questions I, I ask all questions to all patients that pop up. Didn't wanna be wrong and get chewed out.