When should a nurse identify a potential health literacy barrier in a client?

Identifying a potential health literacy barrier is crucial for effective communication and care. A client stating, "I don’t like to read; just tell me what I need to know" directly indicates discomfort or difficulty with reading and comprehending written materials. This statement reveals that the client prefers verbal instructions over written ones, suggesting that they might struggle with understanding health-related information that is presented in text format.

This acknowledgment of a preference for verbal communication opens the door for health professionals to adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. It allows the nurse to explore further how the client processes information and to tailor educational materials or approaches that are more suitable for their needs.

The other options do not provide as clear an indication of health literacy barriers. For example, asking for written instructions can signal a desire for comprehensiveness, while showing interest in attending health classes suggests a proactive approach to learning. Bringing a family member for assistance might indicate support needs but does not inherently signal a literacy barrier. Hence, the second option stands out as a clear acknowledgment of potential difficulty in processing written health information.