The PMHNP uses motivational interviewing (MI) to help a 45-year-old man who states that he would like to quit smoking. She asks her client questions such as, "What is the benefit to quitting smoking?" and "What is it costing you to continue smoking?" These questions are an example of what type of MI skill?

Choice A reason: Affirming involves highlighting the client’s strengths or positive behaviors to build confidence, which is different from evaluating pros and cons. Choice B reason: Reflective listening involves paraphrasing or reflecting back what the client says to demonstrate understanding, not eliciting cost-benefit analysis. Choice C reason: This is correct. Decisional balance involves helping the client weigh the benefits and costs of behavior change, which is precisely what the questions in the scenario achieve. Choice D reason: Summarizing involves restating or consolidating what the client has said to facilitate reflection, not analyzing pros and cons.