Describe how the 5 A's model can be used to promote smoking cessation in a brief intervention.

• A. Ask about smoking, advise clearly to quit, assess readiness to quit, assist with strategies and resources, arrange follow-up
• B. Advise, Assess, Ask, Arrange, Assist
• C. Assess, Arrange, Advise, Ask, Assist
• D. Ask, Assist, Arrange, Advise, Assess

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is using a brief, patient-centered sequence to help someone quit smoking. The best answer follows the 5 A’s in order: Ask about tobacco use, Advise clearly to quit, Assess readiness to quit, Assist with practical strategies and resources, and Arrange follow-up to support ongoing cessation. This order starts with screening, then delivers a direct quit message, gauges motivation to tailor next steps, provides concrete help, and finally sets up ongoing support. Other options mix up the steps or move Arrange or Assist out of sequence, which disrupts the logical flow from understanding the patient’s status to providing tailored help and follow-up.