Public Health · patient case question
What is the first step in helping a patient who is ready to stop smoking?
Patient case: Fluoride, preparation design, syphilis and patient communication
Scenario: Five short items.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Set a quit date
- A. A chest film is not part of a cessation protocol.
- B. Pharmacotherapy supports the attempt but comes after the commitment and the date are established.
- C. Correct. Once a patient has expressed readiness, setting a specific quit date — ideally within two weeks — converts intention into a concrete plan and is the anchor of the assist stage.
- D. Gradual reduction is generally less successful than a defined quit date; abrupt cessation with support has better outcomes.
Note: In the 5 A's framework — ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange — 'set a quit date' sits within assist. If 'ask about tobacco use' appears as an option, that is the first step of the framework overall.