A nurse is providing teaching to a client who wants to stop smoking and has purchased a transdermal smoking patch. Which of the following information should the nurse provide?

Choice A Reason:
INR (International Normalized Ratio) is incorrect. INR is a measurement used to monitor the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin. It assesses the blood's ability to clot. Filgrastim does not directly affect INR levels, so monitoring INR would not provide information about the effectiveness of filgrastim in stimulating white blood cell production.
Choice B Reason:
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) is incorrect. BUN levels primarily indicate kidney function and hydration status. They are not directly influenced by filgrastim treatment. Monitoring BUN is essential for assessing kidney function but does not reflect the effectiveness of filgrastim therapy in increasing white blood cell counts.
Choice C Reason:
WBC count is correct. Filgrastim is a medication that stimulates the production of white blood cells (WBCs), particularly neutrophils. Therefore, the key laboratory value to monitor for assessing the effectiveness of filgrastim therapy is the WBC count. An increase in the WBC count, particularly in the neutrophil count, signifies the intended therapeutic effect of filgrastim in boosting the immune system's response by increasing the production of these infection-fighting cells.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium level is incorrect. Potassium levels are crucial for heart and muscle function. While certain medications might affect potassium levels, filgrastim's primary action is on stimulating white blood cell production and does not directly impact potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels is essential for overall health but does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of filgrastim treatment.

Choice A Reason:
Rotate the application site every week is correct. Rotating the application site is essential to prevent skin irritation or sensitization. Advising the client to apply the patch to a different area of clean, dry, non-hairy skin each time helps reduce the risk of skin irritation at the application site.
Choice B Reason:
The transdermal patch can cause insomnia is incorrect. Insomnia is a potential side effect of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches, including transdermal nicotine patches, but it's not a universal side effect for everyone using the patch.
Choice C Reason:
Leave the patch in place for 8 hr. each day is incorrect. Transdermal nicotine patches are typically worn for 16–24 hours each day, depending on the specific product instructions. Leaving the patch on for a shorter duration might reduce its effectiveness in supporting smoking cessation.
Choice D Reason:
The transdermal patch releases nicotine rapidly into the bloodstream is incorrect. Transdermal nicotine patches deliver nicotine slowly through the skin into the bloodstream over an extended period rather than providing a rapid release. This gradual release helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation.