The nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering from an acute myocardial infarction.While providing cardiac education,the nurse realizes that the patient needs more education when he:

A) describes changes in his behavior that may improve cardiovascular function.
B) describes the schedule,dosage,and purpose of his medication.
C) states that he will take his medication when he has chest pain or when his heart rate is greater than 100.
D) describes the benefits of taking his medication regularly.

The patient should not take medications for cardiovascular function intermittently.Medication should be taken on the regular prescribed schedule to prevent additional cardiac events.Describing changes in his behavior that may improve his cardiovascular function indicates that the patient understands steps he may take to improve his own health.The ability to accurately describe the schedule,dose,and purpose of his medication indicates that the patient understands his treatment.Understanding the benefits of taking his medication regularly should improve patient compliance with therapy.