Which finding may indicate nicotine use or withdrawal?

Which finding may indicate nicotine use or withdrawal?

• A. Yellowing of the fingers/nails from holding cigarettes
• B. Agitation when attempting to withdraw
• C. Weight gain when attempting to cease smoking
• D. Smell of nicotine on hair/clothing

Answer: (D)

The main idea is identifying clues that show nicotine exposure or withdrawal. The smell of tobacco on hair or clothing is the most direct sign: smoke residues cling to hair and fabrics, and nicotine or related compounds can be detected by scent, signaling recent use or contact with tobacco smoke. Other signs are less specific. Yellowing of fingers from holding cigarettes reflects smoking history and staining but doesn’t reliably indicate current exposure or withdrawal. Agitation during withdrawal is a symptom that occurs when someone is abstaining, not a direct marker someone is still using nicotine. Weight gain after quitting is a common consequence of cessation due to appetite and metabolic changes, not evidence of ongoing nicotine use.

The main idea is identifying clues that show nicotine exposure or withdrawal. The smell of tobacco on hair or clothing is the most direct sign: smoke residues cling to hair and fabrics, and nicotine or related compounds can be detected by scent, signaling recent use or contact with tobacco smoke.

Other signs are less specific. Yellowing of fingers from holding cigarettes reflects smoking history and staining but doesn’t reliably indicate current exposure or withdrawal. Agitation during withdrawal is a symptom that occurs when someone is abstaining, not a direct marker someone is still using nicotine. Weight gain after quitting is a common consequence of cessation due to appetite and metabolic changes, not evidence of ongoing nicotine use.