Answer to Question 1
ANS: B
Exploration of the patient's roles is an important task that must be done before development of a patient education plan. For example, a 32-year-old, single mother of five young children who has just undergone a hysterectomy may require a different perspective in her discharge instructions than that in the instructions of a 67-year-old female living with her husband who recently retired after 35 years as a family practice physician. The first patient may have less support and less flexibility regarding rest, lifting limitations, and cost of prescriptions than the second. It is important not to stereotype and assign roles but rather to develop a plan in collaboration with the individual. The patient's support system should be taken into consideration when the nurse plans patient education.
Answer to Question 2
ANS: A
Patient education provided for children should be age specific. Use pictures and simple words for young children. Use clear, simple explanations for school-age children. The patient's age directly affects the instructional methods and materials used. Effective patient education involving a child requires the presence of a parent or caregiver, who is likely the target of teaching. Children should not be excluded from the learning session unless exclusion is deemed appropriate by the parent or caregiver; a presentation using an age-appropriate strategy may complement the instructions reviewed with the adult. The stages of development should be explored as the foundation for the choice of educational materials.