A patient is scheduled to have a hernia repair done today on an outpatient basis. The patient's sibling angrily says, "When I had this done 20 years ago, they kept me in the hospital nearly a week
Why can't my brother stay here where someone can take care of him?" What are appropriate responses by the nurse?
1. "He will be at less risk of getting an infection at home."
2. "He will probably be more comfortable in his own bed at home."
3. "It is cheaper for the insurance company if he goes home today."
4. "The government won't let him stay."
5. "If you ask the physician, the hospital will probably let him stay."
Correct Answer: 1, 2
The best answers to this angry sibling focus on what is best for the patient, so replying about reduction of infection risk and comfort are the best choice. While it is probably cheaper for the insurance company for the patient to go home and there are governmental regulations about hospital admission and Medicare, this is not the best time to bring those concepts into the conversation. It is also not advisable to infer that the hospital has a decision to make in whether this patient stays or goes home.
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