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NCLEX · Lifestyle Choices and Self-Care

What is a general principle when teaching a client about a new self-care skill, such as a dressing change they will do at home?

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Correct answer

Demonstrate the skill, allow the client to practice (return demonstration), and confirm they can perform it safely before discharge

  1. A Tell them once and assume they understand
  2. B Use only verbal explanation with no practice
  3. C Demonstrate the skill, allow the client to practice (return demonstration), and confirm they can perform it safely before discharge
  4. D Discourage the client from performing self-care

Why this is the answer

When teaching a psychomotor self-care skill, an effective general principle is to demonstrate the skill, then have the client perform a return demonstration so the nurse can confirm they can do it safely and correctly, providing feedback and reinforcement. Telling the client once, using only verbal explanation without practice, or discouraging self-care are less effective and can compromise safety. Return demonstration verifies competence and builds the client's confidence for self-care at home. Understanding this teaching principle is standard health-promotion content. (This reflects general principles; verify against current NCLEX prep materials.)
Source: NCLEX-PN Health Promotion — Skill Teaching, Return Demonstration

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About this topic: Lifestyle Choices and Self-Care

Lifestyle and self-care questions cover client teaching on nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, stress and sleep, and the principles of health promotion and disease prevention at the primary level. This is one of 18 PN: Health Promotion and Maintenance questions on lifestyle choices and self-care, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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