Final answer:
To take a patient's health literacy into account, a nurse should simplify medical language, use appropriate educational materials, employ teach-back methods, and provide culturally relevant information to ensure the patient fully understands their treatment options, thus potentially reducing health disparities and building trust.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a nurse took a patient's health literacy into account while providing care, she could have employed several strategies to improve understanding and outcomes. These include simplifying complex medical terms, using educational materials that suit the patient's reading level, engaging in teach-back methods where the patient repeats the provider's instructions to confirm understanding, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health information.
For example, in the context of a nurse discussing breast cancer treatment with a patient, it is crucial to consider the patient's background, education, and beliefs. The nurse could use visual aids, repeat information, and encourage questions to ensure comprehension. Moreover, understanding the patient's potential experiences with health disparities, stereotyping, and cultural barriers is vital.
If the patient's narrative included experiences with racial or cultural barriers and medical mistrust, the nurse might have reassured the patient by explaining procedures in a way that aligns with the patient's values and expectations. The nurse could also connect the patient with support groups that share their cultural background or have had similar health experiences to foster social support.