What is generally considered the foundational first concrete step once a patient agrees to begin a smoking cessation plan?

Setting a specific quit date (typically within about 2 weeks)
Immediately starting nicotine replacement therapy with no planning
Referring to a specialist with no further discussion
Simply telling the patient to 'try harder'

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Correct answer: A. Setting a specific quit date (typically within about 2 weeks)

Once a patient is ready and willing to quit, setting a specific, concrete quit date (commonly recommended within about 2 weeks of the decision) is considered a foundational first step in building an actionable cessation plan, which can then be supported with behavioral counseling and/or pharmacotherapy (e.g., varenicline, nicotine replacement, bupropion).

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What is generally considered the foundational first concrete step once a patient agrees to begin a smoking cessation plan?

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