Chapter 04: Patient and Caregiver

to be effective? a. Assure the patient that the nurse is an expert on management of heart failure. b. Teach the patient at each meal about the amounts of sodium in various foods. c. Discuss the importance of medication control in maintenance of long-term health. d. Refer the patient to a home health nurse for instructions on diet and fluid restrictions. ANS: B Principles of adult education indicate that readiness and motivation to learn are high when facing new tasks (e.g., learning about the sodium amounts in various food items) and when demonstration and practice of skills are available. Although a home health referral may be needed for this patient, teaching should not be postponed until discharge. Adult learners are independent. The nurse should act as a facilitator for learning, rather than as the expert. Adults learn best when the topic is of immediate usefulness. Long-term goals may not be very motivating. 4. A patient who was admitted to the hospital with hyperglycemia and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus is scheduled for discharge the second day after admission. When implementing patient teaching, what is the priority action for the nurse? a. Instruct about the increased risk for cardiovascular disease. b. Provide detailed information about dietary control of glucose. c. Teach glucose self-monitoring and medication administration. d. Give information about the effects of exercise on glucose control. ANS: C When time is limited, the nurse should focus on the priorities of teaching. In this situation, the patient should know how to test blood glucose and administer medications to control glucose levels. The patient will need further teaching about the role of diet, exercise, various medications, and the many potential complications of diabetes, but these topics can be addressed through planning for appropriate referrals. 5. A patient states, "I told my husband I wouldn't buy as much prepared food snacks, so I will go the grocery store to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains." When using the Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change, the nurse identifies that this patient is in which stage of change? a. Preparation c. Maintenance b. Termination d. Contemplation ANS: A The patient's statement indicating that the plan for change is being shared with