The nurse is preparing a seminar for community members newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The nurse is aware that these members are confused about the diagnosis and the changes that they will have to make in their diet and exercise patterns

Question

In which order should the nurse review the stages of change with these members?
1. The change is implemented and new behaviors are adopted.
2. The person makes specific plans for implementation of the change.
3. The change is fully integrated into the person's behaviors with support provided.
4. The person is willing to consider a change and obtains information about the proposed change.
5. The person is not thinking about change, nor is he or she interested in information about a proposed change.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 5, 4, 2, 1, 3

Prochaska and DiClemente proposed five stages in the process of change, as follows. (1) Precontemplation, the person is not thinking about change, nor is he or she interested in information about a proposed change. (2) Contemplation, the person is willing to consider a change and obtains information about the proposed change. (3) Preparation, the person sees that advantages outweigh disadvantages of making the proposed change and makes specific plans for implementation of the change. (4) Action, the change is implemented and new behaviors are adopted. (5) Maintenance, the change is fully integrated into the system. Support systems are implemented to maintain the change, and problems associated with the change are discussed and resolved.