Question

Health Literacy and Patient Education Scenario Mr. Anderson, a 69-year-old patient, had an appointment last week with his primary care provider, a nurse practitioner. The nurse practitioner reviewed his lab work with him and explained that his blood sugars were increased; he was diagnosed with diabetes. Several new medications were prescribed to Mr. Anderson, one of which was baby aspirin and another was a blood pressure medication called Lisinopril. Nurse Judy, the care coordinator, called Mr. Jones to see how he was doing, because having a new diagnosis of diabetes can be very overwhelming. Mr. Jones stated that he did not understand why his nurse practitioner gave him baby aspirin, because he is an adult and adults, obviously, are not babies. He was also given a new blood pressure pill, but he states he feels just fine and does not want to take any medication he does not need. He tells the care coordinator he is not going to take either medication. Initial Posting For this discussion's initial post, address the following: How would you explain the benefits of the baby aspirin and blood pressure medication to Mr. Anderson? How would you help Mr. Anderson understand why it is important for him to take the aspirin and the Lisinopril? What would be the most important things to consider when deciding how to explain this to Mr. Anderson over the phone?

Answer 1

Answer: Mr. Anderson should be educate about the benefits of taking medicine baby aspirin and blood pressure medication as the low dose of aspirin will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and the blood pressure medication will maintain the blood pressure.

As aspirin reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, the Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitors which acts by relaxing the blood vessels to enhance the blood flow and hence maintain the blood pressure.

While explaining this process of medication on phone it has to be kept in mind that Mr. Anderson have understood the teachings as well as he is convinced with the treatment or medication provided to him.