Final answer:
The statement is false as discharging a patient after surgery is a team effort that might include the surgeon, veterinary technician, veterinary nurse, and the overseeing veterinarian. The person responsible for discharge must be able to provide aftercare instructions and address owner concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'The veterinary technician is always responsible for discharging patients after surgery' is false. Discharging a patient after surgery in a veterinary setting is a team effort that involves multiple members of the veterinary team. This team might include the surgeon, veterinary technician, veterinary nurse, and sometimes the veterinarian responsible for overseeing post-operative care. The roles can vary depending on the specific practice, the level of staffing, and the protocols in place.
Typically, the veterinarian or surgeon along with the nursing or technical staff reviews the key concerns for recovery and care of the patient before discharge. It's crucial that the person discharging the pet is knowledgeable about the aftercare instructions and can confidently address any questions or concerns the pet's owner may have.