A patient is diagnosed with heart failure after being admitted to the hospital for shortness of breath and fatigue. Which teaching strategy, if implemented by the nurse, is most likely 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 (such as 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.
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