Unit 2: Part 5

Safety and Security Precautions

• Assess patient's knowledge of specific safety risks.

• Educate patients appropriately regarding identified safety risks.

Health Literacy

• Definition: The degree to which individuals can find, understand, and make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and others (e.g., parents, children).

• Current statistics: 88% of American adults have a substandard health literacy level.

• Importance: Low health literacy means patients may struggle with understanding health information and making informed decisions.

Importance for Nurses

• Nurses play a crucial role in patient education.

• Communication should be tailored to the patient’s understanding level.

• Avoid medical jargon when possible, using language that is accessible to patients.