Vaping and Other Smoking Products and Children
April 1, 2022/in nursing coursework help /by Shem
Nursing paper. 2 pages
Assignment help – Discusses possible outcomes of both positions. Present plans each for resolving the issue (for patient, family and the nurse).
Supports ideas with 3 scholarly literature nursing peer reviewed not older than 5 years.
Help write my thesis – APA citation format.
Use this link to take you directly to the ANA website to access the Code of Ethics. When prompted, choose “No I do not wish to register at this time. Take me to the Code now.” https://www.nursingworld.org/practicepolicy/nursing-excellence/ethics/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/
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Vaping and Other Smoking Products: Risks to Children’s Health
The widespread use of e-cigarettes and vaping products, particularly among youth, has raised significant public health concerns in recent years. These electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) were initially marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes for adult smokers. However, research has shown that vaping carries its own set of risks, especially for children and adolescents.
Health Risks of Vaping for Children
Vaping exposes young users to harmful substances beyond just nicotine. The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains ultrafine particles, heavy metals, and other toxic chemicals that can irritate the lungs and potentially cause lasting damage (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). Studies have linked vaping to an increased risk of respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and shortness of breath (Bozzetti et al., 2020).
Moreover, nicotine exposure during adolescence can disrupt brain development, leading to lasting cognitive and behavioral impairments (England et al., 2022). Nicotine addiction at a young age also increases the likelihood of future substance abuse problems.
Rising Popularity Among Youth
Despite being illegal for minors, vaping has become increasingly popular among middle and high school students. The 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey found that nearly 17% of high school students and over 4% of middle schoolers reported current e-cigarette use (Wang et al., 2023). The appealing flavors, discreet designs, and social influences have contributed to the normalization of vaping in youth culture.
Addressing the Vaping Epidemic
Curbing youth vaping requires a multi-pronged approach involving education, regulation, and cessation support.
Education: Raising awareness about the dangers of vaping through evidence-based prevention programs in schools, communities, and healthcare settings is crucial. This should include dispelling myths about the safety of e-cigarettes and highlighting their addictive nature.
Regulation: Stricter regulations on the marketing, sale, and manufacturing of vaping products are needed to limit youth access and appeal. This may involve flavor bans, age verification systems, and increased enforcement of existing laws.
Cessation Support: Providing accessible and youth-friendly cessation resources, such as counseling and nicotine replacement therapies, can help young vapers quit and avoid lifelong addiction.
Ethical Considerations
The nursing profession has an ethical obligation to advocate for the health and well-being of all patients, including vulnerable populations like children and adolescents. The American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics (2015) emphasizes the nurse’s duty to promote health and safety, respect human dignity, and protect the rights of patients. Addressing the vaping epidemic among youth aligns with these ethical principles.
Furthermore, nurses play a crucial role in educating patients and their families about the risks associated with vaping and other tobacco products. They can empower young people and their caregivers with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions and adopt healthier behaviors.
The rising prevalence of vaping among children and adolescents is a major public health concern due to the potential for long-term adverse effects on lung function, brain development, and future substance abuse. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach involving education, regulation, and cessation support. As advocates for patient health and safety, nurses have an ethical responsibility to actively participate in efforts to prevent youth vaping and promote healthy lifestyles.
References:
American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. American Nurses Association.
Bozzetti, C., Ferri, F., Rossato, M., Sipala, V., Clini, E., Brianti, E., & Buccioli, M. (2020). Smoke/Aerosol: Risks, discovery, progression. A never-ending story involving electronic cigarettes. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 71, 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2019.10.012
England, L. J., Gehring, W. J., Geng, X., & Hodes, G. E. (2022). Adolescent vaping: Biological and psychiatric consequences. Neuropharmacology, 216, 109161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109161
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). Public health consequences of e-cigarettes. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24952
Wang, T. W., Neff, L. J., Park-Lee, E., Ren, C., Cullen, K. A., & King, B. A. (2023). E-cigarette use among middle and high school students – United States, 2022. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 72(3), 55-60. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7203a1
