The nurse is providing discharge teaching for an older-adult patient who will need tube feedings at home. The spouse is the only source of care and states "I will not be able to perform the feedings due to arthritis." Which action should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Discharge planning with a family involves an accurate assessment of what will be needed for care at the time of discharge, along with any shortcomings in the home setting. If no one can do the feedings properly, the nurse will need to arrange for a home care service referral. Extra feeding supplies will not help the situation if the spouse cannot use them. Canceling the discharge is not an option. Teaching the spouse will not be effective since the spouse is unable to perform the feeding.

The Nurse Is Providing Discharge Teaching for an Older-Adult Patient