The nurse is caring for a patient who will be discharged home following surgical repair of a broken shoulder. The patient tells the nurse, "I don't have anyone at home who can help me cook my meals. Is there something you can do?" When demonstrating the adaptability of the nursing process, the nurse should carry out which task?
A) Adjust the patient's care plan so that nursing goals can be met.
B) Consult the care provider about extending the patient's hospitalization.
C) Abandon the plan of care as not able to be done.
D) Contact the social worker about community services.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nursing process is adaptable for developing plans of care for individuals who are hospitalized or are receiving care in an outpatient, long-term care, or home setting. The nurse would adjust planning to contact the social worker for community resources so the patient can maintain as much independence as possible. The care plan focuses on the patient's goals. The provider may or may not be able to extend the hospital stay, but even if that were possible, the patient would not be able to stay until all function returned. The nurse does not simply abandon the care plan; the nurse looks for options and adaptations.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Will Be