How does health literacy influence nursing care?

• A. Rely on patient to ask questions if clarification is needed.
• B. Use medical jargon to convey expertise.
• C. Plain language explanations, teach-back, and confirmation of understanding.
• D. Provide information only in writing.

Answer: (C)

Health literacy guides how nurses communicate to ensure patients truly understand their care, medications, and self-management. The best approach is to use plain language explanations, verify understanding with teach-back, and confirm that the patient truly grasps what to do. Plain language helps reduce confusion by removing jargon that can overwhelm someone with limited health literacy. Teach-back gives the nurse a clear check: the patient repeats the instructions in their own words, so any gaps are identified and addressed before harm or errors occur. Confirming understanding ensures the information sticks and the patient can act on it safely, which improves adherence and outcomes after discharge. Relying on the patient to ask questions places the burden on them and can miss important details; medical jargon muddles meaning; providing information only in writing assumes reading ability and may leave misconceptions unaddressed.