Study Tips: NCLEX® QOTD: Health literacy
Study Tips

NCLEX® QOTD: Health literacy

Osmosis Team
Published on Aug 7, 2024. Updated on Aug 9, 2024.

Understanding health literacy is key for nurses when educating clients about managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This NCLEX Question of the Day explores how to identify signs of low health literacy during a client’s care and education.

The nurse educator is assigned to meet with a client who has been diagnosed with hypertension. While preparing to meet with the client, the nurse reviews previous progress notes to determine what education has been provided so far. Click to highlight the finding(s) that potentially indicate(s) the client has low health literacy.  

    Nursing Progress Note 

Client was admitted to the cardiac unit two days ago for uncontrolled hypertension and chest pain. The client is unable to state which medications are being taken at home and how often. The client only partially filled out their medical history forms. Education on hypertension and causes of chest pain were discussed with the client. The client declined to ask questions following the teaching session. 

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The correct answers to today's NCLEX-RN® Question are...

Nursing Progress Note 

Client was admitted to the cardiac unit two days ago for uncontrolled hypertension and chest pain. The client is unable to state which medications are being taken at home and how often. The client only partially filled out their medical history forms. Education on hypertension and causes of chest pain were discussed with the clientThe client declined to ask questions following the teaching session.


Major Takeaway

Health literacy has a significant impact on health outcomes. Assessing a client’s health literacy can help the nurse plan their care and education. It is also helpful for the nurse to know some common signs of low health literacy, such as frequently missed appointments, incomplete registration forms, improper adherence to prescription medication regimens, and lack of follow-through on medical tests or referrals. Clients might also try to hide their low literacy by asking few or no questions following a teaching session. 


common signs of low health literacy                                                         ________________________

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