A 56-Year-Old Man Is Hospitalized Because of Poorly Controlled Diabetes

A 56-year-old man is hospitalized because of poorly controlled diabetes and a leg ulcer that developed as a complication of diabetes.He is awake,alert,and oriented but fatigued and in need of wound care.In the hospital,he was placed on insulin and started on a variety of oral medications.He is learning how to check his blood sugar and administer insulin.He has never given himself insulin and he does not understand how to interpret his blood sugar readings.The physician has prescribed discharge from the hospital with home health follow-up.Is this an appropriate referral?

A) Yes; the patient is in need of skilled services and, therefore, eligible for home care services.
B) Yes; the patient has been unable to control his diabetes, is noncompliant, and needs to be monitored.
C) No; the patient should remain hospitalized; he has too many needs for home care services.
D) No; the patient is relatively young and oriented; he should be able to provide his own care.