Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What would be the most effective intervention for a 15-year-old girl admitted with asthma who admits to smoking?

1. Ask Ella open-ended questions about why she feels the need to smoke

2. Have Ella attend a smoking cessation group led and attended by other teens

3. Talk to Ella's parents about restricting her activity until she stops smoking

4. Show Ella pictures of the inside of a smoker's lungs

The correct answer is: Have Ella attend a smoking cessation group led and attended by other teens

The most effective intervention for the 15-year-old girl admitted with asthma who smokes would be to have her attend a smoking cessation group led and attended by other teens. This approach leverages social support and peer motivation, which can be particularly influential for adolescents. By engaging with peers who share similar challenges and experiences, Ella may feel more understood and supported in her efforts to quit smoking. Additionally, smoking cessation groups often provide valuable information, coping strategies, and encouragement, making the process of quitting feel less isolating. The group setting can foster a sense of community and accountability, which is vital for adolescents who might be more inclined to make changes when they see their peers doing the same. Meanwhile, asking open-ended questions may provide insights into her reasons for smoking, but it might not necessarily lead to an actionable plan for cessation. Similarly, discussing restrictions with her parents may create conflict rather than encourage her to quit. Showing her pictures of ruined lungs could evoke fear or discomfort but might not motivate her. Effective interventions often require both education and support, which a peer-led cessation group can uniquely provide.