A community health nurse is developing a brochure about hypertension. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A.
Write the information at an 8th-grade reading level.
B.
Explain medical terminology using basic, one-syllable words.
C.
Present information from complex to simple.
D.
Use a 12-point font size.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Write the information at an 8th-grade reading level.
Explanation:
When developing a brochure about hypertension for a community audience, it’s crucial to ensure that the information is accessible and understandable to a wide range of readers. This includes considering their reading level and educational background. Here’s why writing at an 8th-grade reading level is the most effective approach:
- Accessibility: The goal of the brochure is to educate a diverse community, which includes individuals with varying levels of literacy. Writing at an 8th-grade reading level ensures that the majority of people, regardless of their educational background, can understand the content. According to research, an 8th-grade reading level is often deemed suitable for general health communication because it strikes a balance between simplicity and the inclusion of necessary details.
- Clarity and Comprehension: Health literacy is a significant factor in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. By using simple language, the brochure can effectively communicate essential information without overwhelming or confusing readers. This approach helps ensure that people can grasp key concepts about hypertension, such as its causes, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the importance of regular monitoring.
- Health Promotion: The primary aim of the brochure is to promote health and encourage individuals to take proactive steps in managing their hypertension. By presenting the information in an easily understandable format, the nurse increases the likelihood that individuals will follow the recommendations and seek further assistance if needed.
Why the other options are less effective:
- B. Explain medical terminology using basic, one-syllable words: While simplifying medical terminology is important, reducing all terms to one-syllable words can lead to miscommunication or oversimplification. It’s more effective to explain complex terms in straightforward language without necessarily restricting them to one syllable.
- C. Present information from complex to simple: This approach might confuse readers who are not familiar with the topic. It is generally better to start with basic concepts and gradually introduce more detailed information.
- D. Use a 12-point font size: While font size is important for readability, it does not directly address the content’s clarity or accessibility in terms of complexity. A larger font size alone does not ensure that the information is understood.
In summary, writing the brochure at an 8th-grade reading level ensures that the information is clear, accessible, and useful to the broadest audience, which is the most effective way to communicate important health information about hypertension.