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?

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.)