MNMC Nursing cheat sheet

Patient Education and Health Promotion

• Health literacy: use plain language, limit to three key points, avoid jargon, use pictures, and confirm with teach-back.

• Adult learning (andragogy): adults learn best when content is relevant, problem-centered, and immediately applicable; readiness to learn is a prerequisite.

• Stages of change (Prochaska): precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance; match teaching to the patient's stage rather than pushing action.

• SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound; written goals improve adherence.

• Primary prevention (immunizations, seat belts, diet), secondary prevention (screening: mammography, colonoscopy, Pap), tertiary prevention (rehabilitation, chronic disease management).

• Motivational interviewing uses open questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing (OARS) to build intrinsic motivation.

• Culturally congruent teaching assesses health beliefs, language preference, and use of interpreters; family involvement varies by culture.

• Discharge teaching must cover medications, warning signs, activity limits, diet, and follow-up; document the learner, content, method, and response.

• Health promotion counseling for adults includes physical activity (150 min/week moderate), tobacco cessation, alcohol limits, and recommended screenings by age.