What should a nurse do to enhance clarity during patient education sessions?

Summarizing key points at the end of a session is an effective method to enhance clarity during patient education. This approach helps to reinforce the essential information discussed, ensuring that patients understand the most critical aspects of their care. It allows the nurse to highlight what has been taught, helping patients retain the information better and providing an opportunity for questions or clarifications.

Effective patient education aims to ensure comprehension, and summarization serves as a powerful tool in achieving this. By reiterating the main messages, nurses can check if patients are following along and clarify any misconceptions that might have arisen during the discussion. This strategy not only aids in retention but also empowers patients to remember the critical steps they might need to take regarding their health.

The other options may not serve this clarity goal as effectively. Using complex medical terms might confuse patients rather than help them understand their conditions or treatment plans. Inviting friends or family members to assist could be beneficial in some cases, but it may also complicate communication or overwhelm the patient with too many perspectives. Providing handouts can be useful, but if not accompanied by a summary, patients might struggle to sift through detailed information without guidance on what is most important.