Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Health Education and Promotion Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Health Education and Promotion related questions and content

A nurse is working with a teenage boy who was recently diagnosed with asthma. During the current session, the nurse has taught the boy how to administer his bronchodilator by metered-dose inhaler. How should the nurse evaluate the teaching-learning process?

  • A. Ask the boy specific questions about his medication.
  • B. Ask the boy whether he now understands how to use his inhaler.
  • C. Directly observe the boy using his inhaler to give himself a dose.
  • D. Assess the boys respiratory health at the next scheduled visit.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Demonstration and practice are essential ingredients of a teaching program, especially when teaching skills. It is best to demonstrate the skill and then give the learner ample opportunity for practice. By observing the patient using the inhaler, the nurse may identify what learning needs to be enhanced or reinforced. Asking questions is not as an accurate gauge of learning. Respiratory assessment is a relevant, but indirect, indicator of learning. Delaying the appraisal of the patients technique until a later clinic visit is inappropriate because health problems could occur in the interval.