Question

When preparing to discharge a male client who has been hospitalized for an adrenal crisis, the client expresses concern about having another crisis. He tells the nurse that he wants to stay in the hospital a few more days. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Answer 1

To address the patient's fear of experiencing another adrenal crisis, the nurse should educate the patient about managing adrenal insufficiency, provide a detailed discharge plan with follow-up, and instruct on responding to emergencies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Provide education on managing adrenal insufficiency and ensure a comprehensive discharge plan that includes a follow-up appointment and emergency instructions.

Understanding the patient's concern about an adrenal crisis is crucial for proper discharge planning. The nurse should educate the patient on how to manage adrenal insufficiency at home, including stress management, medication adherence, and the identification of early signs of a crisis. It's important to ensure that the patient feels confident in managing their condition and knows when to seek medical attention. The nurse can also provide written instructions and information about support groups or resources. A key part of the discharge process is coordinating a follow-up appointment with the patient's healthcare provider to monitor his condition and adjust treatment as needed. Ensuring the patient has an individualised crisis plan, including when and how to use emergency hydrocortisone injections, is essential. The health care team, which may include the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, should review these plans with the patient to reinforce understanding and preparedness.