A terminally ill patient has been discharged to go home, but the patient lives alone and has limited resources. Which of the following is the most appropriate action by the nurse?

Question

1. Coordinate a meeting with the physician, social worker, and other health professionals to facilitate the postdischarge care for this patient.
2. Suggest to the health care provider that the patient stay in the hospital.
3. Instruct the patient to return to the emergency department at the first sign of distress.
4. Locate a skilled nursing facility that could accept the patient.

Answer 1

Coordinate a meeting with the health care provider, social worker, and other health professionals to facilitate the postdischarge care for this patient.

Rationale: Interdisciplinary collaboration means the knowledge and expertise of health care providers, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, dietitians, aides, and volunteers are all brought together to help meet the patient's needs. The patient lives alone and is terminally ill and will need assistance with coordination of care and resources. Due to the patient's financial concerns, the nurse should not plan to transfer the patient to a skilled facility nor suggest that the patient be kept in the hospital. The nurse should not simply discharge the patient with the instructions to return to the emergency department if in distress.