Final answer:
The best way to assess a patient's ability to manage clean intermittent catheterization independently is through a return demonstration, which provides practical, real-time evaluation and correction of their technique.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ambulatory care nurse is educating a patient on how to manage clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) independently. To assess the effectiveness of the teaching, the best method would be option C: Do a return demonstration. This is because a return demonstration allows the patient to physically show their understanding of the procedure, ensuring that they can perform it correctly and safely. It offers the opportunity for the nurse to correct any errors in real-time and reinforce proper techniques.
Options such as describing the procedure or taking a quiz could be helpful but might not fully demonstrate the patient's ability to perform CIC. Keeping a log could be beneficial for long-term tracking but does not assess the patient's immediate practical capability.