Vaping, Electric Cigarettes, and Clinical Implications

About this course

In 2006, vaping entered commercialization, marketed as a smoking cessation aid and a healthier option due to its purported absence of nicotine, which was in salt form rather than free. As vaping devices became increasingly prevalent, concerns arose regarding their safety, efficacy, and potential health risks. This course examines vaping, exploring its context, physiological effects, prevalence, clinical implications, treatment options, and nursing considerations.

Learning objectives

• Define vaping, the various devices used for vaping, and the electric liquids (e-liquids) that are available for use.
• Describe the electric cigarette (e-cigarette), and the key components that work together to make a vapor.
• Identify the differences between the electric cigarette and the traditional tobacco cigarette.
• Review the short term and long-term effects associated with vaping, and lung conditions associated with electric cigarette use.
• Understand the correlation between the influence of advertising and the risk of electric cigarette use and dependency in youth.

Course outline

12 sections · finish in any order across devices

1. 1

   Introduction

   In 2006, vaping entered commercialization, marketed as a smoking cessation aid and a healthier option due to its purported absence of nicotine, which was in salt form rather than free.1 Given trendy names like e-cigarettes, vape pens, and vaporizers, this innovation sparked a global surge in consump

   4 min

2. 2

   Definition of Vaping

   Vaping is a recreational activity that involves inhaling and exhaling the gas form of a specially formulated concoction produced by an electronic cigarette, vape pen, or similar device.2 The concoction may be an e-liquid, dry herbs, oils, or waxes. E-liquids are a mixture of nicotine, propylene glyc

   4 min

3. 3

   The Electric Cigarette (E-Cigarette)

   The first modern e-cigarette was invented by Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, in 2003.8 Lik was motivated to create a safer alternative to smoking after his father, a heavy smoker, died of lung cancer. His design used a piezoelectric ultrasound-emitting component to vaporize a jet of pressurized liqui

   4 min

4. 4

   E-Cigarettes vs. Traditional Tobacco Cigarettes

   E-cigarettes and traditional tobacco cigarettes differ significantly in both their physical and chemical composition, as well as their methods of use and user experiences.11 E-cigarettes are devices made of several components. They vaporize a specific solution that does not contain tobacco leaves. I

   4 min

5. 5

   Demographics of Vaping

   E-cigarette use among adults is increasing, and currently, more than 4% of adults vape.13 In adults, there are two main categories of individuals who transition to vaping:

   5 min

6. 6

   Addiction Rates

   Traditional cigarettes have long been recognized for their high addiction potential, with around 60-80% of smokers developing a dependence on nicotine. While e-cigarettes were initially marketed as a less addictive alternative, when comparing them to nicotine gum, emerging data suggests that they ca

   4 min

7. 7

   Risks Associated with Vaping

   Vaping poses various risks to both short-term and long-term health, stemming from factors such as chemical exposure, nicotine content, and potential impacts on mental health. Short-term health risks of vaping include throat and mouth irritation, coughing, nausea, and dizziness. Long-term health risk

   4 min

8. 8

   Lung Damage and Diseases

   Lung damage refers to injury or impairment of the lungs' structure and function, often resulting from exposure to harmful substances or conditions. In individuals who vape, lung damage can manifest in various ways, including inflammation, airway obstruction, reduced lung function, and respiratory sy

   4 min

9. 9

   Lung Transplantation

   In cases where lung damage progresses to a severe and irreversible stage, lung transplantation may be the only option to improve or restore respiratory function.35 On a global scale, 4,000 lung transplants are performed annually.36 Lung transplantation involves surgically replacing damaged lungs wit

   4 min

10. 10

    Managing Vaping-Related Lung Complications

    Diagnosing vape-related lung conditions requires specialized testing, such as pulmonary function tests, imaging studies, and laboratory tests.39 The process typically begins with a thorough clinical evaluation that encompasses a detailed medical history review and physical examination. Patients may

    4 min

11. 11

    Nursing Considerations

    When caring for patients with vaping-related conditions, there are several considerations that must be considered, including ethical considerations, effective communication strategies, patient education, and participation in cessation programs.43 Ethical dilemmas include addressing issues such as pa

    4 min

12. 12

    Conclusion

    Vaping poses significant challenges to public health, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Since its commercialization in 2006, vaping has been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, yet the health risks associated with it are substantial. E-cigarettes may deliver nicot

    4 min

This course satisfies

Requirement summaries come from our state requirement records. Always confirm details with your board before you renew.

References and resources

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