How can you assess health literacy in client communication?

• A. Use plain language, teach-back, limit jargon, and provide materials at an appropriate reading level.
• B. Use advanced medical terminology and complex documents.
• C. Assume everyone understands.
• D. Rely only on visual aids.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is communicating in a way that people with different health-literacy levels can truly understand and act on the information. Using plain language helps reduce confusion from medical terms, making instructions clearer and easier to follow. The teach-back method actively checks understanding: you ask the patient to explain in their own words what they need to do, which reveals gaps that you can immediately address. Limiting jargon and technical terms prevents misinterpretation, and providing materials written at an appropriate reading level ensures both what you say and what you hand out are accessible. Together, these strategies verify comprehension and support safer, more effective care.

For example, swapping terms like “hypertension” for “high blood pressure” makes the message more relatable, and asking, “Can you tell me in your own words what you will do next?” confirms comprehension. Other approaches fall short because they either rely on advanced terminology, assume understanding, or depend solely on visuals without ensuring the message is understood.