What is the best way for a nurse to evaluate whether a patient has learned to cough and deep breathe using a pillow post-surgery?

The best method for evaluating a patient's ability to cough and deep breathe using a pillow post-surgery is through return demonstration. This approach allows the nurse to directly observe the patient performing the technique, ensuring that they are able to correctly apply what they have learned in a practical setting. By watching the patient demonstrate the procedure, the nurse can assess not only the patient's understanding of the steps involved but also their ability to carry them out effectively while considering factors such as comfort and safety.

In contrast, verbalization of steps may indicate the patient understands the concept theoretically but does not guarantee they can perform the technique effectively. Selecting from flash cards could provide some visual learning, but it does not assess the patient's hands-on capability. A cloze test would focus on theoretical knowledge and recall rather than practical application, which is critical for post-operative care. Hence, return demonstration stands out as the most comprehensive and effective method for evaluating the patient's learning in this context.