A nurse is trying to determine a client’s reading level. Which of the

A nurse is trying to determine a client’s reading level. Which of the following actions should be taken by the nurse?

a. Ask the client if he/she finds it useful to have someone help when receiving written materials from the physician.
b. Ask the client to assess his or her own health literacy and give examples.
c. Determine the number of years of formal education the client completed.
d. Use a literacy assessment tool, many of which are in the literature.

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: A
Any of the responses might be effective at assessing literacy, but the single question asking how often help might be needed is the fastest and easiest. Nurses are limited in the time available for assessment. One question is easier for a client than a complete assessment tool. Asking about years of education can be dismaying to someone who did not complete many years of formal schooling. Clients may not understand the question when asked to assess their own health literacy.