What is one of the first steps a nurse should take when teaching ostomy care?

Assessing the patient's readiness and understanding is a fundamental first step in teaching ostomy care. This step is crucial because it ensures that the nurse tailors the instruction to meet the specific needs, concerns, and cognitive level of the patient. By understanding how much the patient already knows and their emotional and psychological readiness to learn, the nurse can create a more effective and supportive learning environment.

This assessment can reveal key factors such as the patient's anxiety levels, previous knowledge about ostomies, and any misconceptions they might have. It allows the nurse to address these factors appropriately, ensuring that learning is meaningful and that the patient feels empowered to manage their care. Once the nurse has assessed the readiness and understanding, they can then move on to providing demonstrations, written instructions, or information about products based on the patient's unique needs.