A community health nurse should know that individuals with low health literacy might encounter which of the following while navigating the health system?

Rationale: A. Individuals with low health literacy may have trouble understanding when emergency care is necessary, recognizing warning signs of acute illness, or knowing how to access emergency services. They may delay seeking care due to confusion about symptoms or the healthcare system, which can lead to worsening conditions or complications. B. Low health literacy affects the ability to read, interpret, and complete medical documents, such as intake forms, insurance claims, consent forms, and medication instructions. Misunderstanding these forms can result in delays in care, incomplete records, or denial of services. Nurses should recognize this barrier and provide assistance or use simplified forms when possible. C. Chronic disease management often requires following complex medication regimens, understanding dietary restrictions, monitoring symptoms, and attending follow-up appointments. Individuals with low health literacy may have difficulty understanding instructions or recognizing early signs of complications, which increases the risk of poor outcomes, hospitalizations, and disease progression. D. Low health literacy typically impairs understanding of the link between lifestyle choices and health outcomes. Clients may not fully grasp how behaviors such as smoking, poor diet, or lack of exercise affect their risk for disease, which can hinder preventive measures and adherence to recommendations. E. Clients with low health literacy may misunderstand medical terminology, misreport medications or symptoms, or forget critical information. This can affect diagnosis, treatment planning, and continuity of care. Nurses can help by using plain language, visual aids, and teach-back methods to ensure accurate communication.