Final answer:
When transferring a patient from acute to long term care, the nurse should review aloud the patient's procedure, confirm instrument and sponge counts, ensure specimen labels, and discuss potential equipment issues. Additionally, the nurse confirms identities, surgical sites, and procedures. Input on critical events from the entire surgical team should be shared with long term care providers.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is transferring from acute care to long term care, nurses play a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transition. The process should include a thorough hand-off where the nurse reviews items aloud with the team, which would include confirmation of:
- The name of the procedure performed
- The completion of needle, sponge, and instrument counts
- Correct labeling of any specimens, including the patient's name
- Potential issues with equipment that need to be addressed
Moreover, the nurse must confirm the patient's identity, surgical site, and procedure. They should also review anticipated critical events that would involve input from the surgeon regarding critical steps and expected blood loss, from the anesthesia staff regarding patient-specific concerns, and from nursing staff regarding sterility, equipment availability, and any other concerns. This comprehensive review ensures that the care team in the long term facility is fully informed and ready to provide continuous care to the patient.