A nurse is planning care for a client who wants to quit smoking. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?

Rationale: A. Implement activities that promote the client's self-esteem: While boosting self-esteem can support smoking cessation, it is not the first priority. The nurse must first assess the client’s current coping strategies to tailor the cessation plan. B. Offer a list of smoking cessation support groups: Providing resources is helpful, but without assessing the client’s needs and coping methods first, the support may not be appropriately matched to the client’s situation. C. Provide education about the dangers of smoking: Education is important, but most clients are already aware of the health risks. Effective teaching requires first understanding the client's motivation and coping mechanisms. D. Determine the client's coping methods: Assessment is always the initial step in the nursing process. Identifying how the client currently manages stress will help the nurse create an individualized and effective cessation plan.