How would you use teach-back to confirm patient understanding of a new inhaler technique during a discharge?

• A. Show technique without patient attempt
• B. Have patient demonstrate inhaler use, correct errors, repeat steps until accurate, document comprehension and provide written reminders
• C. Tell patient to read the instructions
• D. Alternate inhaler types without assessment

Answer: (B)

Teach-back is about confirming understanding by having the patient actively demonstrate how they will use the inhaler, so you can see exactly what they can do and what they can’t. During discharge, you want the patient to show you the steps, you correct any mistakes, you repeat the demonstration until the technique is accurate, and you document that they understand. You also provide written reminders to reinforce what was learned. This approach ensures the patient can use the inhaler correctly on their own, which is crucial for delivering the medication effectively and avoiding poor symptom control.

Showing the technique without the patient attempting it doesn’t reveal whether they’ve learned the steps. Simply telling the patient to read instructions assumes they’ll understand and remember without practice. Switching devices without assessing understanding risks using the wrong device or misunderstanding the steps. Only the teach-back approach actively verifies competence, reinforces learning, and creates a record of comprehension.