The nurse is admitting a patient for uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. The nurse suspects that the patient could benefit from diabetic teaching. To corroborate her suspicion, during the patient interview the nurse: (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. determines the patient's cognitive ability and potential language barriers.
b. gathers information about what the patient already knows about diabetes.
c. Attempts to determine the need for referrals and education.
d. Formulates the patient's plan of care using a standard protocol.
e. Prepares to teach the patient using materials written at a third-grade level.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, C
Educational needs are assessed during the patient interview. The nurse should document gaps in patient knowledge and areas in which clarification of disease processes or treatment would be beneficial. Prior to initiating patient education, the nurse needs to assess a patient's cognitive ability, reading level, and potential language barriers. Assessment should include collecting information about what the patient already knows about her/his current condition and what additional knowledge is needed. Assessment information about the patient's educational needs should be documented and should guide aspects of the patient's individualized plan of care. Thorough assessment of the patient's knowledge should be used to determine the need for referrals and educational interventions.