Question

The nurse has taught the patient about how to perform sterile dressing changes. Which action by the nurse best assesses whether or not the patient's discharge teaching was effective?

a. The nurse watches the patient perform the sterile dressing change and provides feedback as needed.
b. The nurse provides additional written instructions as a reminder of how to correctly perform the procedure.
c. The nurse includes the patient's spouse when teaching the patient how to perform the sterile procedure.
d. The nurse asks the patient and spouse if they have any further questions about how to perform the procedure.

Answer 1

The most effective way for a nurse to evaluate a patient's understanding of sterile dressing changes is by observing the patient perform the procedure and providing immediate feedback.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best action by the nurse to assess whether the patient’s discharge teaching about sterile dressing changes was effective is a. The nurse watches the patient perform the sterile dressing change and provides feedback as needed. This method is the most direct way to evaluate the patient’s understanding and application of the sterile technique. By observing the patient, the nurse can confirm that the patient is able to maintain sterility throughout the procedure and that the steps are performed correctly. Additionally, the nurse can provide immediate feedback to correct any mistakes or reinforce proper technique. This hands-on approach differs from written instructions, including others in the teaching, or asking if there are questions, as it is the only option that entails direct observation and guidance during the actual performance of the skill.