How should a clinician explain tachycardia to a patient with low health literacy?

• A. Translate the clinician's term only.
• B. Provide the plain-language explanation 'fast heart rate' and then translate the term.
• C. Skip explaining to avoid confusion.
• D. Provide the clinician's term in medical jargon.

Answer: (B)

Explain tachycardia using plain language first, then introduce the medical term. For example, tell the patient that tachycardia means a fast heart rate—your heart is beating faster than normal. Then say the medical word for that is tachycardia. This two-step approach helps you understand what’s happening right away and gives you the official term to memorize and discuss with clinicians. It reduces confusion from medical jargon and supports the patient in asking questions and confirming understanding. Explaining only the term or skipping the explanation altogether can leave important meaning unclear or inaccessible.