Question

Tom Richardson Scenario 5

You are now preparing for discharge, place steps in order:

A - Discharge instructions
B - Evaluate understanding
C - Escort patient to vehicle
D - Document results
E - Notify housekeeping

Answer 1

The steps for discharging a patient should be in the order of providing discharge instructions, evaluating understanding, documenting results, escorting the patient to their vehicle, and notifying housekeeping to clean the space. Detailed records and clear communication are vital for patient safety and a smooth discharge process.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prioritize patient safety and ensure a smooth transition from hospital care to being discharged, the following steps should be placed in the correct order:

1. Discharge instructions – The nurse reviews the discharge procedure with the team, including any specific instructions related to the patient’s care after leaving the hospital.
2. Evaluate understanding – It is crucial to confirm that the patient and their caretakers understand the discharge instructions and what is expected of them post-discharge.
3. Document results – Meticulous documentation of the discharge process, patient’s understanding, and any special instructions are recorded for clinical accountability.
4. Escort patient to vehicle – Once all administrative tasks are complete, and the patient is ready, they can be escorted to their vehicle safely.
5. Notify housekeeping – After the patient has left, notify housekeeping to clean and prepare the space for the next patient.

It is also important to note the borrowings from other fields to improve patient care, such as Dr. Pronovost’s use of a checklist similar to an airplane pilot’s pre-takeoff checklist, which ensured critical steps were not skipped during medical procedures.