Which discharge planning intervention is most important for a patient with cardiovascular risk related to smoking?

Which discharge planning intervention is most important for a patient with cardiovascular risk related to smoking?

• A. Teaching about impact of family history on cardiovascular risk
• B. Education about need to change antihypertensive therapy
• C. Assistance in reducing stress
• D. Referral to smoking cessation programs

Answer: (D)

Addressing a modifiable risk factor directly at discharge yields the greatest impact on cardiovascular risk: connecting the patient to smoking cessation resources. When a patient’s risk is driven by smoking, the most effective step is to help them quit, because stopping smoking rapidly lowers heart and vessel stress, reduces the likelihood of recurrent heart events, and improves overall long-term outcomes. Referral to smoking cessation programs provides structured support, counseling, and access to pharmacotherapy such as nicotine replacement, varenicline, or bupropion, which together increase the chances of successful quitting and sustained abstinence after discharge. Other options touch on important health topics, but they don’t target the immediate, highest-yield change for smoking-related risk. Information about family history doesn’t reduce the patient’s current risk, and adjusting antihypertensive therapy is only relevant if blood pressure is an issue, not specifically about smoking. Reducing stress can be helpful for overall well-being, but it doesn’t directly address the primary modifiable factor here. The most impactful discharge plan is to arrange smoking cessation support so the patient can quit and lower cardiovascular risk.

Addressing a modifiable risk factor directly at discharge yields the greatest impact on cardiovascular risk: connecting the patient to smoking cessation resources. When a patient’s risk is driven by smoking, the most effective step is to help them quit, because stopping smoking rapidly lowers heart and vessel stress, reduces the likelihood of recurrent heart events, and improves overall long-term outcomes. Referral to smoking cessation programs provides structured support, counseling, and access to pharmacotherapy such as nicotine replacement, varenicline, or bupropion, which together increase the chances of successful quitting and sustained abstinence after discharge.

Other options touch on important health topics, but they don’t target the immediate, highest-yield change for smoking-related risk. Information about family history doesn’t reduce the patient’s current risk, and adjusting antihypertensive therapy is only relevant if blood pressure is an issue, not specifically about smoking. Reducing stress can be helpful for overall well-being, but it doesn’t directly address the primary modifiable factor here. The most impactful discharge plan is to arrange smoking cessation support so the patient can quit and lower cardiovascular risk.