A Glucose Check and a Teach-Back

In practice

An older man with type two diabetes comes in for a check. The provider has ordered a fingerstick glucose test. Before starting, the medical assistant confirms that the meter's calibration check was done as the practice requires. She notices that the patient is turning his head to hear her, and asks whether he wears hearing aids. He does, but left them in his pocket. She waits while he puts them in, and moves to a quieter corner of the room. She identifies him, cleans her hands and puts on gloves. She cleans the side of his fingertip and lets it dry, then punctures it in one quick motion. She wipes away the first drop and applies the second to the strip, without squeezing the finger. She records the result and the time, and reports it to the provider, who discusses it with him. Afterward, the provider asks her to reinforce how to use his new home meter. She reviews the steps the provider taught, then asks, "To be sure I explained it well, can you show me how you'll check your sugar at home?" He forgets to wipe away the first drop, so she explains that step again, and the second time he gets it right. She documents the teaching, his hearing aids and the teach-back.