Read the below case study and answer the questions:
After multiple attempts to quit smoking, Susan had given up. She knew the risks of smoking, had a family history of lung and breast cancer and was concerned that her smoking habits might be passed along to her kids. At 45 years old, Susan had already smoked for 28 years and thought “the damage has already been done.” As it turned out, she may have been right. Susan’s scheduled mammogram earlier this morning revealed a large mass in her left breast. Because of her family history and her current status as a smoker, Susan’s doctor orders a biopsy, and the results are positive for Stage IIA cancer. As she hangs up the phone after hearing the news, Susan is in shock, but she is not surprised. Her thoughts immediately turn to her two young children and her husband, and then the cigarette smoldering in her hand. A wave of anger toward her smoking habit moves through her body as she forcefully smashes the cigarette into the ashtray. She knows she must quit smoking, but she needs a lot of help.
Given her current condition, Susan and her doctor agree that pharmacotherapy in conjunction with behavioral changes gives Susan the best chance of quitting and avoiding relapse. What should Susan’s doctor consider before prescribing medication to assist in smoking cessation?
It is determined that Susan will need to undergo chemotherapy and radiation to treat her cancer. How do you think this will affect her choices of pharmacological treatments?
The decision is made to immediately begin behavioral treatment in conjunction with varenicline (Chantix). What are the most likely reasons that varenicline was chosen for pharmacological intervention for Susan?
admin
Articles: 69508
