A nurse, during a shift report, learns that a patient under their care is blind. What actions by the nurse would demonstrate effective communication?

Choice A rationale
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and fatigue of voluntary muscles. Edrophonium is a medication that is used in the diagnosis and treatment of myasthenia gravis. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals in the nervous system, thereby improving muscle strength.
Choice B rationale
Myasthenia gravis is not a disorder of motor and sensory dysfunction. It primarily affects the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. Sensory function is typically not affected in myasthenia gravis.
Choice C rationale
This statement is correct in that myasthenia gravis does not cause sensory impairment. However, it does not indicate an understanding of the disease as a whole, as it does not address the primary symptom of muscle weakness.
Choice D rationale
Myasthenia gravis does cause progressive muscle weakness, but it does not cause sensory deficits. Therefore, this statement indicates a partial understanding of the disease.

Choice A rationale
The best way to determine if a patient can safely and effectively self-administer medications is to ask the patient to demonstrate the instillation of the medications. This allows the nurse to directly observe the patient’s technique, identify any errors, and provide immediate feedback and instruction. It also gives the patient an opportunity to ask questions and clarify any misunderstandings. This method is often referred to as the “show-back” or “teach-back” method and is widely used in patient education to confirm understanding and competency.
Choice B rationale
While assessing the patient for any previous inability to self-manage medications can provide useful information, it does not directly assess the patient’s ability to self-administer the new eye medications. Previous difficulties may be due to factors that do not apply to the current situation, such as complex medication regimens, cognitive impairment, or lack of resources.
Choice C rationale
Although the patient accurately describing the directions for administering the medications indicates that the patient understands the instructions, it does not necessarily mean that the patient can perform the task correctly. Physical limitations, dexterity issues, or misunderstanding of the instructions can still result in incorrect administration.
Choice D rationale

Assessing the patient’s functional status can provide valuable information about the patient’s overall ability to perform activities of daily living, including medication management.
However, it does not specifically assess the patient’s ability to self-administer eye medications.