A client is discharged following a heart attack. In using the Stages o

A client is discharged following a heart attack. In using the Stages of Health Behavior Change as a guide, the nurse recognizes that the client is most likely to begin to accept information on diet changes and an exercise program during which stage?

1. Action
2. Preparation
3. Maintenance
4. Contemplation

ANSWER

ANS: 4
During the contemplation stage, the client is considering a change within the next 6 months. The client may be ambivalent initially, but will more likely accept information as he or she develops more belief in the value of change.
During the action stage, the client is actively engaged in strategies to change behavior.
During the preparation stage, the client is making small changes in preparation for a change in the next month. At this point, the client believes advantages outweigh disadvantages in behavior change.
During the maintenance stage, the client has sustained change over time.