A client with a family history of cardiac disease is seeking information to control risk factors. Which lifestyle modification is most important for the nurse to encourage?

Choice A reason: Applying lubricant to the cannula tubing is not the best intervention as it may cause irritation or infection of the nasal mucosa. The nurse should use water-soluble gel or saline spray to moisten the nasal passages if needed.

Choice B reason: Placing padding around the cannula tubing is the best intervention as it prevents friction and pressure on the skin. The nurse should use soft materials such as gauze or foam to cushion the tubing and check the skin integrity frequently.

Choice C reason: Decreasing the flow rate to 1 L/minute is not an appropriate intervention as it may compromise the client's oxygenation. The nurse should maintain the prescribed flow rate and monitor the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation.

Choice D reason: Discontinuing the use of the nasal cannula is not an option as it may endanger the client's life. The nurse should continue the oxygen therapy as ordered and provide comfort measures and education to the client.

Choice A reason: Smoking cessation is the most important lifestyle modification for the nurse to encourage. Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiac disease, as it increases blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen demand, and damages the blood vessels and the heart muscle. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cardiac disease by 50% within one year.

Choice B reason: Regular exercise is a beneficial lifestyle modification for the nurse to encourage, but not the most important one. Exercise can improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, and reduce body weight, but it does not eliminate the harmful effects of smoking on the heart and blood vessels.

Choice C reason: A low-fat diet is a helpful lifestyle modification for the nurse to encourage, but not the most important one. A low-fat diet can lower cholesterol levels and prevent atherosclerosis, but it does not reverse the damage caused by smoking to the heart and blood vessels.

Choice D reason: Stress reduction is a useful lifestyle modification for the nurse to encourage, but not the most important one. Stress can trigger the release of hormones that increase blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen demand, and can also lead to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, overeating, and alcohol abuse. However, stress reduction alone does not address the direct effects of smoking on the heart and blood vessels.