In assessing Mr. Wright’s willingness to learn about wound care, what should the nurse first do?

Assessing Mr. Wright's willingness to learn is the foundational step that a nurse should take before proceeding with education on wound care. Understanding a patient's readiness to learn is crucial because it directly impacts their engagement, retention of information, and overall outcomes. If a patient is not willing or open to learning, it may hinder the effectiveness of any educational interventions that follow.

By first addressing Mr. Wright's willingness to learn, the nurse can gauge his current level of understanding, motivation, and any barriers he might face, such as anxiety or misunderstanding about the procedure. This assessment allows the nurse to tailor the educational approach to better fit the patient's needs. After establishing a willingness to learn, the nurse can then move on to eliminate distractions, explain rationales, and document patient responses, ensuring a structured and supportive learning environment.