Final answer:
After a splenectomy, patients need education on basic infection control techniques, the importance of hygiene, vaccinations, and prompt medical attention to prevent infections due to a compromised immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is discharged home after a splenectomy, educating them on basic infection control techniques is crucial for their ongoing health and prevention against infections. The spleen plays a significant role in immunologically filtering the blood and in the communication between cells corresponding to the innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus, a patient without a spleen has a compromised immune system and is at greater risk for infections. Due to the importance of the spleen in the immune response, especially in immunological memory and the adaptive immune response, the patient should be informed about the necessity of maintaining good hygiene practices and keeping up to date with vaccinations to prevent infections. It is also advisable to avoid contact with sick individuals and to seek medical attention promptly if signs of infection appear.