What is one of the first questions a nurse should ask in an assessment regarding smoking?

In the context of nursing assessments related to smoking, asking whether a patient currently smokes is essential because it establishes a clear baseline for understanding the patient’s smoking status. This question allows the nurse to identify if the individual is an active smoker, which is crucial for tailoring health education and interventions accordingly.

Understanding the smoking status directly informs the nurse about necessary assessments or interventions, such as discussing the health risks associated with smoking or potential cessation programs. Gathering this foundational information can lead to better management of the patient's overall health, as smoking is a major risk factor for numerous health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

While inquiries about the age at which the patient started smoking, past attempts to quit, or exercise habits are all relevant in the broader context of smoking-related health, they become less meaningful if the patient does not currently smoke. The current smoking status serves as the first step in assessing smoking-related health risks and planning appropriate nursing care.