[Verified Answer]: A 61-year-old current smoker presents for…

A 61-year-old current smoker presents for a follow-up visit after initiating medication to treat hypertension. The NP counsels the patient on the risks of smoking and offers to go over some smoking cessation strategies. The patient denies that he has a problem with smoking, stating “I could quit if I really wanted to, but I’m healthier than most of my friends my age.” According to Prochaska’s stages of preparation for change, this patient is most likely in which stage? Preparation Action Precontemplation Contemplation