Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

During discharge planning for an elderly patient with a spouse who has COPD, what is the best approach?

1. Arrange nursing home placement for the couple

2. Consult the spouse's healthcare provider about their ability to care

3. Contact the children to ascertain their commitment to help

4. Discuss community resources and offer referrals

The correct answer is: Discuss community resources and offer referrals

The best approach in this scenario is to discuss community resources and offer referrals. This option provides the elderly patient and their spouse with valuable information about available support services that can help them manage their healthcare needs and daily living challenges. By focusing on community resources, the nurse empowers the couple, promoting their independence and helping them make informed choices about their care. Accessing community resources can include finding services such as home health care, meal delivery programs, transportation assistance, and support groups specifically for individuals with chronic illnesses like COPD. This not only aids in the immediate discharge plan but also helps ensure the couple can maintain a reasonable quality of life in their home environment. The other possibilities, while well-intentioned, may not address the couple's immediate needs or may create unnecessary barriers to their independence. For instance, arranging nursing home placement may not be necessary or desirable for the couple, and consulting the spouse's healthcare provider might delay the discharge process without offering immediate solutions. Additionally, contacting the children may not provide the necessary support and could add pressure on the family dynamic, especially if the children are not available or willing to assist.