What technique should a nurse use to effectively evaluate a patient's understanding of discharge instructions?

Asking the patient to summarize the instructions is a highly effective technique for evaluating their understanding of discharge instructions. This approach is based on the principle of active engagement, where the patient actively articulates what they have learned. By summarizing, the nurse gains insight into the patient's comprehension and retention of important information regarding their care, medications, or any follow-up necessary after leaving the healthcare facility.

This technique allows the healthcare provider to identify any misunderstandings or gaps in knowledge that can be addressed immediately. If the patient struggles to summarize the instructions accurately, the nurse can revisit the information, clarify any points of confusion, and reinforce the key messages necessary for safe and effective recovery at home. Furthermore, this method promotes patient autonomy and accountability in their own health management.

In contrast, observing facial expressions may provide some non-verbal cues about a patient's understanding, but it does not directly measure comprehension. Providing instructions in multiple languages may be helpful for patients with language barriers, but it does not ensure understanding if the patient is not engaged in the learning process. Relying solely on family feedback may not accurately reflect the patient's own understanding, as family members may interpret the information differently or may not have the full context of what the patient needs to know.