What should be assessed after discharge education to confirm understanding?

• A. Whether discharge paperwork is complete
• B. Whether the patient will file a complaint
• C. The patient's ability to verbalize understanding and demonstrate return demonstrations
• D. Whether the patient liked the nurse

Answer: (C)

Understanding after discharge education is best verified by having the patient explain the information in their own words and demonstrate the skills they were taught. This teach-back approach shows that they truly grasp the instructions and can perform the required self-care tasks at home, which is crucial for safety and preventing complications. When you ask the patient to verbalize steps and then perform a return demonstration—such as how to take medications, manage wounds, or use a medical device—you can spot misunderstandings and correct them in real time, ensuring readiness for discharge. Completing discharge paperwork or liking the nurse don’t measure understanding, and wanting to file a complaint isn’t a way to assess comprehension or safety.