A nurse is preparing an instructional session for a client about managing episodes of constipation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when meeting with the client?

A. Encouraging active participation is essential for effective learning but is more appropriate after assessing the client’s current knowledge.
B. Determining what the client knows about constipation is the first step in the teaching process. It allows the nurse to assess the client’s baseline understanding and tailor the education accordingly.
C. Identifying shared goals is an important step in the planning phase but follows the assessment of the client’s knowledge and needs.
D. Selecting the instructional method comes later, once the nurse has assessed the client’s knowledge and learning preferences.

A. Appreciating unique meanings refers to understanding the cultural or personal significance of the patient's health experience, which is important but not the primary behavior in this scenario.
B. Meeting affiliation needs involves providing support for social connections and relationships. While teaching the family could enhance their relationship with the patient, this is more about practical care.
C. Providing presence refers to being physically and emotionally present with the patient. While this is important in care, the scenario is about teaching specific skills for a practical need.
D. Meeting basic human needs is the most fitting answer because the nurse is providing the family with the tools and knowledge they need to assist with a physical care task, which directly addresses a basic need for the patient’s health and well-being.