A nurse is assessing the ability to learn of a patient who has recently experienced a stroke. Which question/statement will best assess the patient's ability to learn?
a. "What do you want to know about strokes?"
b. "On a scale from 1 to 10, tell me where you rank your desire to learn."
c. "Do you feel strong enough to perform the tasks I will teach you?"
d. "Please read this handout and tell me what it means."
ANS: D
A patient's reading level affects ability to learn. Reading level is often difficult to assess because patients who are functionally illiterate are often able to conceal it by using excuses such as not having the time or not being able to see. One way to assess a patient's reading level and level of understanding is to ask the patient to read instructions from an educational handout and then explain their meaning. Asking patients what they want to know identifies previous learning and learning needs and preferences; it does not assess ability to learn. Motivation is related to readiness to learn, not ability to learn. Just asking a patient if they feel strong is not as effective as actually assessing the patient's strength.
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