A nurse is teaching a patient who has low health literacy about ...

[bucstennis@aim.com]

A nurse is teaching a patient who has low health literacy about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while giving COPD medications. Which technique is most appropriate for the nurse to use?
 
  a. Use complex analogies to describe COPD.
  b. Include the most important information on COPD at the beginning of the session.
  c. Ask for feedback to assess understanding of COPD at the end of the session.
  d. Offer pamphlets about COPD written at the eighth grade level with large type

Question 2

A patient with heart failure is learning to reduce salt in the diet. When would be the best time for the nurse to address this topic?
 
  a. At bedtime, when the patient is relaxed
  b. At lunchtime while the nurse is preparing the food tray
  c. At bath time, when the nurse is cleaning the patient
  d. At medication time, when the nurse is administering patient medication

[Melissahxx]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Include the most important information at the beginning of the session for illiterate patients or patients with a learning disability. Also, use visual cues and simple, not complex, analogies when appropriate. Another technique is to frequently ask patients for feedback to determine whether they comprehend the information. Additionally, provide teaching materials that reflect the reading level of the patient, with attention given to short words and sentences, large type, and simple format (generally, information written on a fifth grade reading level is recommended for adult learners).

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Appropriate times to talk about food/diet changes during routine nursing care are at breakfast, lunch, and dinner times or when the patient is completing the menu. Many nurses find that they are able to teach more effectively while delivering nursing care. For example, while hanging blood, you explain to the patient why the blood is necessary and the symptoms of a transfusion reaction that need to be reported immediately. In this situation, because the teaching is about food, coordinating it with routine nursing care that involves food can be effective. At bedtime would be a good time to discuss routines that enhance sleep. At bath time would be a good time to describe skin care and how to prevent pressure ulcers. At medication time would be a good time to explain the purposes and side effects of the medication.