NURS 308: UNIT 1 - TOPIC 2: PATIENT AND CAREGIVER TEACHING

What is the overall role of patient and caregiver teaching?

To promote health, prevent disease, manage illness, support appropriate treatment choices, improve quality of life, and reduce hospital admissions

What are the general goals of patient teaching?

Health promotion, quality of life, disease prevention, illness management, correct treatment selection and use, fewer hospital admissions

What does it mean that every interaction is a teachable moment?

Both informal and formal interactions can be used for teaching

What is the purpose of a teaching plan?

To guide education based on specific learning needs and assess the patient’s learning style

Who is responsible for patient and caregiver teaching?

The registered nurse

What is the teaching–learning process in nursing?

A framework nurses use to provide education that leads to patient learning and improved outcomes.

What theory explains how adults learn best?

Knowles’ Andragogy.

What is andragogy?

A theory focused on adult learning principles.

What are the six principles of adult learning?

Relevance, self-directed learning, life experience, readiness, task-centered learning, motivation.

What does relevance mean in adult learning?

The patient understands why they need to learn the information.

What does self-directed learning mean?

Adults take responsibility for their own learning.

How does life experience affect adult learning?

Personal or family experiences influence how new information is understood.

What is readiness to learn?

The patient’s physical and emotional ability to learn at that moment, such as not being in pain.

What does task-centered learning mean?

Adults prefer learning that is practical and focused on real-life tasks.

What role does motivation play in adult learning?

Internal motivation drives adults to learn and apply information.

What is teaching in nursing?

A nursing intervention.

How is teaching defined in nursing practice?

The act of conveying information through instruction, coaching, counseling, or behavior modification.

What is learning in nursing care?

A patient outcome.

How is learning defined?

The act of acquiring knowledge.

What is self-efficacy in the teaching-learning process?

The patient’s belief that they can successfully perform a task or manage their care.

Why is self-efficacy important in patient teaching?

It empowers the patient to take control of and manage their own care.

Why is providing support essential during the teaching-learning process?

Continued support strengthens the patient’s commitment to change.

How does support influence behavior change?

Ongoing support increases confidence and follow-through with new behaviors.

What is an example of providing support after teaching?

Following up after teaching a patient how to administer insulin to reinforce skills and confidence.

What are common challenges in the teaching–learning process for nurses?

Lack of time, setting priorities for what the patient truly needs to know, personal feelings as a teacher, differences between nurse and patient learning goals, and rapid or early discharge

Why is lack of time a challenge in patient teaching?

Limits how much education can be provided and forces nurses to focus on essential information

Why is setting priorities important in teaching?

Ensures the patient learns what is most necessary for safety, self-care, and decision-making

How do personal feelings as a teacher affect patient education?

They can influence confidence, patience, and effectiveness when teaching

Why are nurse–patient differences in learning goals a challenge?

The nurse and patient may value different outcomes, so understanding what the patient wants is essential

Why does rapid or early discharge impact teaching?

It shortens the time available for education and reinforcement of information

What competencies are required for effective teaching and learning?

Knowledge of subject matter, use of reliable resources, strong communication skills, active listening, and empathy

Why is knowledge of subject matter important in patient teaching?

Ensures information is accurate, relevant, and evidence-based

What communication skills are essential in teaching?

Verbal communication, nonverbal communication with cultural awareness, active listening, and empathy

Why are caregiver needs important in the teaching-learning process?

Caregivers play a major role in care, with about 1 in 4 adults providing care to someone, so their understanding directly affects patient outcomes.

Why must cultural considerations be included in teaching?

Culture influences beliefs, learning styles, decision-making, and acceptance of care.

How should caregivers be included in patient teaching?

Include them in teaching sessions, goal-setting, priority planning, and addressing specific learning needs.

What additional support should nurses identify for caregivers and patients?

Community resources and support groups that can assist with ongoing care.

Why are regulatory mandates important in patient education?

They require nurses to provide consistent, safe, and effective patient education.

What is the RN’s responsibility related to patient education?

RNs are obligated to provide education to patients.

How does The Joint Commission relate to patient education?

It sets required standards for patient education.

How do National Patient Safety Goals connect to teaching?

They emphasize education to reduce errors and improve safety.

What role does the American Hospital Association’s Patient Care Partnership play?

It promotes patient rights, including the right to education and information.

How does the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s National Patient Safety Foundation relate to teaching?

It supports education initiatives that improve patient safety and quality of care.

What is assessment in patient teaching?

Gathering information through discussion and interviewing to identify learning needs.

What physical factors affect assessment?

Age differences, sensory ability, dexterity, pain level, and medications.

Why does age matter during assessment?

A 5-year-old and an 85-year-old have very different physical, cognitive, and learning needs.

What psychological factors should be assessed?

Anxiety, depression, and use of defense mechanisms.

How do sociocultural factors influence assessment?

Beliefs, culture, education level, and available support affect understanding and acceptance of care.

Why is health literacy important during assessment?

Low health literacy can affect understanding, and nurses should not make assumptions about it.

What caregiver-related factors should be assessed?

Caregiver role, ability, and level of caregiver stress.

What learner factors are important to assess?

Prior knowledge, patient priorities, and preferred learning style.

How is health literacy assessed?

By determining whether the client can understand and carry out simple health instructions.

What specific abilities are evaluated when assessing health literacy?

Ability to read instructions and verbalize what actions to take.

What does the prescription “Furosemide 10 mg, take 2 tablets twice a day” mean?

Take 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets in the evening.

What learner factors are assessed during patient education?

Learning needs, readiness to learn, learning style, and eHealth literacy

What are included when assessing learning needs?

Current knowledge, knowledge and skills needed, past experiences, and prioritized patient needs

What does readiness to learn assess?

Perceived needs, attitudes, beliefs, and motivation

What learning styles should the nurse assess?

Visual, auditory, and physical (hands-on)

What is included in assessing eHealth literacy?

Access to electronic health resources, ability to use them, and what websites or tools the patient uses

What is the focus of the planning phase related to patient education?

Prioritizing learning needs and agreeing on learning goals with the patient.

Why is prioritizing learning needs important during planning?

It ensures teaching is relevant, patient-centered, and focused on the most urgent or meaningful needs.

What characteristics should learning goals have during planning?

They should be clear and measurable.

What is the purpose of setting learning goals?

To define the intended outcome of teaching.

How do learning goals influence teaching strategies?

They guide the selection of appropriate teaching methods and content.

How do learning goals help the nurse after teaching is completed?

They help evaluate the patient’s progress and effectiveness of teaching.

What is the nurse’s role when patients need to use health technology?

Teaching patients how to properly use the technology.

Why should nurses evaluate a patient’s understanding of and access to technology?

To ensure the patient can use it correctly and realistically as part of their care.

How do nurses support patients and caregivers when they find health information online?

By helping them determine if the information is valid, reliable, usable, and from reputable sources.

Why must nurses be sensitive to racial and ethnic disparities related to health technology?

Because access to and use of technology may differ among populations and can affect care outcomes.

What is telehealth and why is it important in nursing care?

Remote communication using technology for consultation, monitoring, and education, and it is increasingly used to improve access to care.

What is the first step in the implementation phase of teaching

Select a teaching strategy based on the assessment.

What types of materials can be used during implementation?

Pamphlets/handouts, videos, teaching models, equipment, and supplies.

Why should multiple forms of materials be used?

To address different learning styles and enhance understanding.

What learner factors should be considered during implementation?

Health literacy, eHealth literacy, primary language, and other individual learner characteristics.

What is the purpose of evaluation in nursing?

To determine if learning goals or client care goals have been achieved.

What techniques should be used during evaluation?

Use appropriate techniques and strategies and avoid assumptions.

What is involved in long-term evaluation?

Follow-up and referrals after discharge, such as home health or doctor visits.

Why is documentation important in evaluation?

It is essential from assessment through evaluation, must be complete, clear, and available to all team members.

What is the first step in discharge planning?

Discharge planning begins on admission.

What should be assessed when planning a patient’s discharge?

The patient’s ability to return home, need for assistance, specific equipment, and available case management or community resources.

Who should be involved in discharge planning?

The patient and their family, if available.

Who documents that a client can be discharged?

The provider.

Can a legally competent client leave the facility before discharge?

Yes, a client has the right to leave against medical advice (AMA).

What should the nurse do if a client leaves AMA?

Notify the provider, have the client sign the proper forms if possible, and provide discharge teaching.

What should discharge planning ideally include?

Include the client and caregivers in the planning process.

What are the 5 key areas that should be discussed during discharge planning?

Medications (or medication management), home life, warning signs, test results, and follow-up.

What is the role of education in discharge planning?

Educate the client about their condition, the discharge process, and the next steps.

How should nurses assess discharge education?

Assess the effectiveness of the education provided to the client.

Why is listening important in discharge planning?

Listen to the client’s goals and preferences to ensure care aligns with their needs.

What should a nurse do when discussing discharge instructions with a client?

Discuss the instructions, provide a printed copy, use clear and concise language, and verify the client’s understanding.

How is understanding of discharge instructions confirmed?

When the client signs the discharge paperwork, it shows they understand.

What is the first standard for discharge education?

Identify safety concerns at home.

What should clients be taught regarding potential complications?

Review signs of complications and when to contact emergency care or the provider.

What contact information should be provided during discharge education?

Provide the provider’s phone number and names/phone numbers of community resources for care at home.

How should continuing treatments at home be taught?

Provide step-by-step instructions for treatments like dressing changes.

What dietary information should be included in discharge education?

Explain dietary restrictions and guidelines, including those related to medications.

What should clients know about therapies at home?

Explain the amount and frequency of therapies to support continued independence.

What should be included regarding medications?

Provide directions on how to take medications, potential interactions, and the importance of adherence.

What is the first step in discharge documentation?

It begins on admission.

What are the types of discharge that must be documented?

Provider prescription or against medical advice (AMA).