When working on a hospital unit, the nurse should begin the discharge

QUESTION

When working on a hospital unit, the nurse should begin the discharge planning process at which time?

a. With a careful review of initial admission data.
b. Within 24 hours of the hospital admission.
c. Just prior to the client’s hospital admission.
d. Immediately before the client is discharged.

ANSWER:

ANS: A
A complex discharge planning process begins with a careful review of initial admission data and continues as a thread with each subsequent review. Starting early in the hospitalization allows time for clients and families to become physically and emotionally prepared for transition and to have needed supports available postdischarge.