A nurse is beginning discharge teaching when the patient states, "I just don't know if I can follow this diet at home.What difference will it make?" In further refining the discharge teaching plan, the nurse should:
A) ask the patient to help set nutritional goals.
B) give the patient clear written directions.
C) provide the patient with a list of websites.
D) tell the patient when to return to the clinic.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A person with an external locus of control, such as this patient, needs clear directions and firm support to make healthy changes.Clear written instructions would be very helpful.With a patient who has an internal locus of control, it is a good strategy to ask the patient to help set his or her own nutritional goals.However, this patient has an external locus of control and would not believe that he or she has this control.A patient with an external locus of control may not see value in searching websites and likely would not do it.Although telling the patient when to return to the clinic is very clear, it does nothing to assist the patient in making healthy changes to dietary behaviors.

A Nurse Is Beginning Discharge Teaching When the Patient States