What term describes asking patients to explain instructions back in their own words to confirm understanding?

• A. Plain language
• B. Teach-back
• C. Consent
• D. Interpreter

Answer: (B)

Verifying understanding by asking patients to restate instructions in their own words is teach-back. This technique directly checks whether the patient truly comprehends what was explained, not just whether they heard it. It helps reveal gaps, clarify misunderstandings, and lets you tailor teaching to the patient’s language and literacy level. In practice, you present the instructions clearly in plain language, then prompt the patient to explain back what they will do, in their own words. If anything is unclear, you re-teach using simpler language and concrete examples. This approach differs from plain language, which is about using easy-to-understand wording; consent, which is agreeing to care after being informed; and an interpreter, who translates between languages.