The patient, who is in recovery for alcohol addiction and is a heavy smoker, tells his nurse that he can never stop smoking because it is the only way he can relieve stress. He thinks his other problems are much more serious than his smoking
Having assessed that the patient is at the pre-contemplation stage of change, what would be an appropriate action for the nurse to take?
1. Help the patient make a plan to stop smoking.
2. Offer information regarding therapies and treatment options.
3. Help the patient identify specific stressors and some alternative ways to manage them.
4. Tell the patient that he is risking his life by smoking and must find a way to stop soon.
Answer: 3
Explanation: At the pre-contemplation stage, without directly addressing or confronting behaviors that require change, nurses can help patients identify helpful techniques to reduce stress. At the contemplation stage, nurses and other clinicians may begin offering treatment options. In the preparation stage, individuals may plan to make changes.
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