Question

A nurse is assigned to care for an 82-year-old patient who will be transferred from the hospital to a rehabilitation center. The patient and her husband have selected the rehabilitation center closest to their home. The nurse learns that the patient will be discharged in 3 days and decides to make the referral on the day of discharge. The nurse reviews the recommendations for physical therapy and applies the information to fall prevention strategies in the hospital. What discharge planning action by the nurse has not been addressed correctly?

1. Patient and family involvement in referral
2. Timing of referral
3. Incorporation of referral discipline recommendations into plan of care
4. Determination of discharge date

Answer 1

The nurse has not addressed the timing of referral correctly.

Step-by-step explanation:

The discharge planning action by the nurse that has not been addressed correctly is the timing of referral. The nurse in this scenario decides to make the referral on the day of discharge, which does not allow enough time for the referral process to be completed before the patient is transferred to the rehabilitation center. It is important for the nurse to make the referral in a timely manner, preferably well in advance, to ensure a smooth transition of care for the patient.