A nurse needs to begin discharge planning for a patient admitted with pneumonia and a congested cough. When is the best time the nurse should start discharge planning for this patient?
A) Upon admission
B) Right before discharge
C) After the congestion is treated
D) When the primary care provider writes the order

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ideally, discharge planning begins at admission. Right before discharge is too late for discharge planning. After the congestion is treated is also too late for discharge planning. Usually the primary care provider writes the order too close to discharge, and nurses do not need an order to begin the teaching that will be needed for discharge. By identifying discharge needs early, nursing and other health care professionals begin planning for discharge to the appropriate level of care, which sometimes includes support services such as home care and equipment needs.

A Nurse Needs to Begin Discharge Planning for a Patient