A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to an older adult client who is scheduled for surgery.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote learning?
A.
Use a 12-point font when printing written materials for the client.
B.
Present the information to the client using abstract concepts.
C.
Connect new information with the client’s past experiences.
D.
Speak loudly when addressing the client.
The correct answer is:
C. Connect new information with the client’s past experiences.
Explanation:
- C. Connect new information with the client’s past experiences: Older adults often benefit from connecting new information to their previous experiences, as this can help them understand and retain the material better. Relating new concepts to familiar experiences makes the information more relevant and easier to grasp.
- A. Use a 12-point font when printing written materials for the client: While using a larger font size can be helpful for readability, the question focuses on promoting learning rather than just readability. A font size of 12-point is generally appropriate, but the action of connecting information to past experiences is more effective in promoting learning.
- B. Present the information to the client using abstract concepts: Older adults may have difficulty understanding abstract concepts. Concrete and clear information, rather than abstract ideas, is generally more effective in teaching.
- D. Speak loudly when addressing the client: Speaking loudly does not necessarily improve learning. It’s more important to ensure clear and slow communication, especially if the client has hearing difficulties. However, simply raising the volume of speech is not sufficient for effective learning.
Therefore, C. Connect new information with the client’s past experiences is the best action to promote learning for the older adult client.