Prior to discharge,a patient with diabetes needs to learn how to check a finger-stick blood sugar reading before taking insulin.Which action will best help the patient remember proper technique?

A) Encouraging the patient to check the blood sugar each time the nurse gives insulin
B) Providing feedback after the patient takes his blood sugar reading for the first time
C) Verbally instructing the patient about how to obtain a finger-stick blood sugar reading
D) Offering a brochure that describes the technique for checking a blood sugar reading

Having the patient perform a finger stick with the nurse each time insulin is administered is the best way to practice the correct technique and gain confidence prior to discharge.Repetition increases the likelihood that the patient will retain information and incorporate it into the daily management of his diabetes care.Although feedback is important,the patient might need it on more than one occasion.Verbal instructions for performing a new skill are most useful when the patient has an opportunity to perform the technique.A brochure is informative and useful for later reference; however,information about performing a new skill is best offered when the patient can see it demonstrated and has the opportunity to practice it with the feedback from the nurse.