Final answer:
Discharge planning should be initiated when the client's condition is stabilized on the assigned unit and when the client or family demonstrate readiness to learn self-care modalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Discharge planning by the nurse for a client should be initiated when the client's condition is stabilized on the assigned unit. This ensures that the client is in a stable condition and ready to be discharged.
Initiating discharge planning when the client or family demonstrate readiness to learn self-care modalities is also important, as it prepares them for taking care of themselves after discharge.
While being informed about a date for discharge is necessary, it is not the sole criterion for initiating discharge planning.