A nurse is caring for an older adult client preparing for discharge to

A nurse is caring for an older adult client preparing for discharge to a nursing center after having hip surgery. Which of the following nursing responses is most therapeutic when dealing with the client’s concern that she, “will never go back home”?

1. “What makes you think that this transfer to the nursing center will be perma-nent?”
2. “The reason for this transfer is only to support you while you continue to recuper-ate.”
3. “The decision to stay in the nursing center is yours to make. When you want to leave no one will stop you.”
4. “The nursing center is a lovely place with a wonderful staff of caring people. Just give it a chance. You may like it.”

ANSWER

ANS: 1
Although the decision to enter a nursing center is never final and a nursing center resident is sometimes discharged to home or another less-acute-care facility, many older adults view the nursing home as their final residence. This option is an open-ended question that encourages the client to express his or her concerns and fears.