In the context of nursing, what is the "teach-back" method designed to assess?

The "teach-back" method is primarily designed to assess patients' understanding of their medication instructions and other critical health information provided to them. This method encourages healthcare providers to confirm that patients can accurately repeat back the instructions they have received, thereby demonstrating their comprehension.

Utilizing teach-back helps identify any gaps in the patient's understanding, ensuring that they can effectively manage their medications and adhere to treatment plans. This approach is essential, as it reinforces the information provided, enhances patient safety, and improves health outcomes by promoting patient engagement in their own care.

While other options such as navigating the healthcare system, social history data, or previous health conditions play important roles in patient care, they are not the primary focus of the teach-back method. The goal is specifically to verify and improve comprehension related to medication and health instructions, making it a critical tool in the nursing practice.