NCLEX-PN® ExaminationCoordinated CareEasy
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is assisting with the discharge planning for an older adult client who requires ongoing wound care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) after hospitalization. The client lives alone and has no immediate family nearby. Which of the following actions is the most appropriate for the LPN to take?
- ACollaborate with the registered nurse (RN) and social worker to arrange for home health services and community resources.
- BProvide the client with a list of local nursing homes for potential long-term care placement.
- CInstruct the client to contact their primary care provider for home health referrals upon discharge.
- DAdvise the client to ask a neighbor for assistance with wound care and ADLs during the recovery period.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Collaborate with the registered nurse (RN) and social worker to arrange for home health services and community resources.
Effective discharge planning for a client requiring ongoing care involves a multidisciplinary approach to ensure continuity of care and access to necessary resources. The LPN's role includes collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While long-term care might be an option, suggesting it without a comprehensive assessment and collaboration is premature and may not be the most appropriate initial step for a client returning home.
- C. This delegates the responsibility entirely to the client, which is inappropriate given their needs and the LPN's role in discharge planning.
- D. Relying on a neighbor for skilled care like wound care is unsafe and unprofessional, as neighbors are not typically trained healthcare providers.
Discharge Planning Collaboration
A multidisciplinary process initiated at admission to identify client needs for a safe transition from acute care to home or another care setting, involving the client, family, and healthcare team.
- Begins upon admission.
- Involves client, family, and healthcare team.
- Aims for continuity of care and prevention of readmission.
Memory trick: Plan for 'Home-Bound' care, 'Collaborate' with the team.