Key Takeaways
- Lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management significantly impact health outcomes
- Behavior change requires motivation, support, and realistic goal-setting
- The stages of change model (precontemplation through maintenance) guides intervention approaches
- The LPN/LVN supports patients in making sustainable lifestyle modifications
- Cultural and socioeconomic factors influence health behaviors and must be considered in planning
Last updated: January 2026
Lifestyle Choices and Health Modifications
Many chronic diseases are influenced by modifiable lifestyle factors. The LPN/LVN plays a critical role in educating and supporting patients in making positive health behavior changes.
The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)
Understanding where a patient is in the change process helps tailor interventions:
| Stage | Patient Status | Nursing Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Precontemplation | Not considering change | Raise awareness, provide information |
| Contemplation | Thinking about change | Discuss pros and cons, address barriers |
| Preparation | Planning to change | Help develop specific, realistic plan |
| Action | Actively making change | Provide support, reinforce efforts |
| Maintenance | Sustaining change | Prevent relapse, address challenges |
| Relapse | Return to old behavior | Non-judgmental support, restart cycle |
Nutrition and Diet
Healthy Eating Principles:
- Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Choose lean proteins
- Limit saturated fats, trans fats, sodium
- Control portion sizes
- Limit added sugars
- Stay hydrated with water
Common Therapeutic Diets:
| Diet | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Low sodium | Hypertension, heart failure | < 2,000 mg sodium/day |
| Diabetic | Blood glucose control | Consistent carbohydrate, balanced meals |
| Low fat | Cardiovascular disease | Limit saturated fat, emphasize healthy fats |
| Low cholesterol | Hyperlipidemia | Reduce dietary cholesterol, increase fiber |
| Renal | Kidney disease | Restrict protein, potassium, phosphorus, sodium |
Physical Activity
Recommendations for Adults:
- 150 minutes moderate-intensity OR 75 minutes vigorous-intensity weekly
- Muscle-strengthening activities 2+ days weekly
- Reduce sedentary time
- Start slowly and increase gradually
Benefits of Regular Exercise:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Better blood glucose control
- Weight management
- Improved mood and mental health
- Stronger bones and muscles
- Better sleep quality
Weight Management
| BMI Category | BMI Range | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | Increased |
| Normal | 18.5-24.9 | Average |
| Overweight | 25-29.9 | Increased |
| Obese Class I | 30-34.9 | High |
| Obese Class II | 35-39.9 | Very High |
| Obese Class III | ≥ 40 | Extremely High |
Healthy Weight Loss:
- Gradual loss (1-2 pounds per week)
- Combination of diet and exercise
- Realistic, sustainable goals
- Address emotional eating
- Avoid fad diets
Smoking Cessation
The 5 A's of Smoking Cessation:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Ask | Ask every patient about tobacco use |
| Advise | Strongly advise all users to quit |
| Assess | Assess readiness to quit |
| Assist | Provide resources, medications, counseling referrals |
| Arrange | Arrange follow-up contact |
Cessation Aids:
- Nicotine replacement (patch, gum, lozenge)
- Prescription medications (varenicline, bupropion)
- Behavioral counseling
- Support groups and quitlines
- Mobile apps and online programs
Alcohol Use
Moderate Drinking Defined:
- Women: Up to 1 drink per day
- Men: Up to 2 drinks per day
One standard drink equals:
- 12 oz beer (5% alcohol)
- 5 oz wine (12% alcohol)
- 1.5 oz spirits (40% alcohol)
Signs of Problem Drinking:
- Drinking more than intended
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down
- Cravings
- Interference with responsibilities
- Continued use despite problems
Sleep Hygiene
Recommendations for Better Sleep:
- Consistent sleep and wake times
- Dark, cool, quiet bedroom
- Avoid screens before bed
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Regular physical activity (not close to bedtime)
- Relaxation techniques before bed
Sleep Needs by Age:
| Age Group | Recommended Hours |
|---|---|
| Newborns | 14-17 hours |
| Infants | 12-15 hours |
| Toddlers | 11-14 hours |
| School-age | 9-11 hours |
| Teens | 8-10 hours |
| Adults | 7-9 hours |
| Older adults | 7-8 hours |
Stress Management
Healthy Coping Strategies:
- Physical activity
- Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation)
- Social support
- Time management
- Adequate sleep
- Hobbies and leisure activities
Unhealthy Coping (to Discourage):
- Substance use
- Overeating or undereating
- Social isolation
- Excessive screen time
- Avoiding problems
Supporting Behavior Change
Effective Strategies:
- Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
- Start with small, manageable changes
- Identify and address barriers
- Build on successes
- Involve support systems
- Expect setbacks and plan for them
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Listen without judgment | Lecture or criticize |
| Offer options and support | Dictate what patient must do |
| Acknowledge challenges | Minimize difficulties |
| Celebrate progress | Focus only on failures |
| Respect patient autonomy | Force change |
On the NCLEX-PN
Expect questions about:
- Stages of change and appropriate interventions
- Healthy lifestyle recommendations
- Therapeutic diets for common conditions
- Supporting patients in making behavior changes
Test Your Knowledge
A patient says, "I know I should quit smoking, but I'm not sure I can." According to the stages of change model, this patient is in which stage?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which recommendation is appropriate for an adult trying to lose weight safely?
A
B
C
D