Question

The nurse is assigned to care for a client who will be transferred to the rehabilitation unit in the hospital following his postoperative recovery from hip surgery. What is the priority nursing responsibility when transferring a client from one unit in the hospital to another?

a. Provide a verbal report of the client's status to the admitting nurse.
b. Complete the discharge paperwork.
c. Update the client's electronic health record.
d. Administer prescribed medications.

Answer 1

The priority nursing responsibility when transferring a client to another hospital unit is to provide a verbal report of the client's status to the admitting nurse. This includes a comprehensive update on the patient's identity, surgery details, and any critical information discussed by the surgical team for ongoing care and direct supervision.

Step-by-step explanation:

The priority nursing responsibility when transferring a client from one unit in the hospital to another is to provide a verbal report of the client's status to the admitting nurse. This ensures continuity of care, as the admitting nurse will be aware of the patient's current condition, recent surgery, and any specific care requirements or concerns that need to be addressed in the rehabilitation unit. The verbal report typically includes confirmation of the patient's identity, surgical site, and procedure, as well as a review of the anticipated critical events, such as operative duration, anticipated blood loss, and any other specific concerns raised by the surgical team, which includes the surgeon, nursing staff, and anesthesia staff. It is also crucial to ensure that the nursing staff reviews confirmation of sterility, equipment availability, and is ready to provide direct supervision and respond to the patient's needs throughout the care transition.