Shadow Health Assignment 6: Discharge
and Conclusion
Delegate toileting assistance for Dr. Douglas. #1
Diya Modi = no
Holly Rosenthal = no
Nadia Dahmani = yes
Thalia Rota = no
Wade Anderson = yes
Delegate toileting assistance for Dr. Douglas. #2
Nadia Dahmani = no
Wade Anderson = yes
Delegate toileting assistance for Dr. Douglas. #3
Wade Anderson = yes
Anita: I'm getting a little antsy, just sitting in bed with these compression stockings and a
stack of magazines . . . I'm normally very busy.
Anita: I wanted to discuss the length of my stay, if there's anything I can do to . . . expedite
my discharge? I think I've been cooped up here long enough. I'd like to leave today, if
possible.
What is the most appropriate response to Anita in this situation?
I hear and understand what you are saying. We'll certainly do what we can to make sure you
don't stay any longer than you have to! The provider didn't say you were ready to be
discharged today, but I can bring up your concerns with him today. In the meantime, why
don't we discuss your feelings further?
Anita: Alright, I think that would be constructive.
Why is this the best response to Anita's concern?
This answer reiterates that a nurse is not able to decide if a patient may be discharged
without the input of their provider, although the patient's perspective should still be heard,
acknowledged, and addressed.
Anita: Why can't I leave now?
, While your entire healthcare team monitors your progress, ultimately your provider decides
when you may be discharged. This will be when you have satisfied certain benchmarks,
such as using your walker by yourself, transferring, and going up and down stairs. If we
discharged you too soon, it could put you at risk for another fall. I know you miss home, but
your safety is of the utmost importance.
Anita: I'll admit, that's not what I wanted to hear. I understand what you're saying, though.
Another fall is the last thing I need.
Why is this the best response to Anita's concern?
This answer provides medical reasoning for why early discharge could jeopardize patient
safety, in addition to correctly representing Procedure Manual policy.
Anita: I understand that I need to make more progress before I can go home. The walker is
an eyesore, but I know it keeps me stable, keeps me upright. What can I do in the meantime
to help my recovery?
What is the most appropriate response to Anita's concern?
Continue doing your exercises and following the physical therapist’s instructions. Eat well,
get plenty of rest, and take your medications as recommended by your provider. It’s great
that you’re motivated, but just remember that pushing too hard and too fast can end up
causing damage in the long-run.
Anita: I understand. My husband has always called me a go-getter, but I'll try to dial it back.
Why is this the best response to Anita's concern?
This answer reiterates the importance of providing education on medical interventions in
order to protect patient safety.
Anita: Now, when I am discharged, will I be able to go home? My husband and I have four
dogs, you know. They're a handful, but I do miss them. I just couldn't do a rehabilitation
facility. They don't seem very . . . comfortable.
What is the most appropriate response to Anita in this situation?
Whether you go home or go to a rehabilitation facility is determined by how much progress
you have made toward these benchmarks. Other factors include your support system, as
well as the safety of your home. The provider will always recommend the option that is best
for your health and safety.
Anita: I understand. My husband Jeffrey is very supportive. He will be able to help me, in
addition to running the house. He's already said that he's going to put all of the rugs in
storage and put up a gate to keep the dogs out of the way. [AUDIO COMING SOON]
and Conclusion
Delegate toileting assistance for Dr. Douglas. #1
Diya Modi = no
Holly Rosenthal = no
Nadia Dahmani = yes
Thalia Rota = no
Wade Anderson = yes
Delegate toileting assistance for Dr. Douglas. #2
Nadia Dahmani = no
Wade Anderson = yes
Delegate toileting assistance for Dr. Douglas. #3
Wade Anderson = yes
Anita: I'm getting a little antsy, just sitting in bed with these compression stockings and a
stack of magazines . . . I'm normally very busy.
Anita: I wanted to discuss the length of my stay, if there's anything I can do to . . . expedite
my discharge? I think I've been cooped up here long enough. I'd like to leave today, if
possible.
What is the most appropriate response to Anita in this situation?
I hear and understand what you are saying. We'll certainly do what we can to make sure you
don't stay any longer than you have to! The provider didn't say you were ready to be
discharged today, but I can bring up your concerns with him today. In the meantime, why
don't we discuss your feelings further?
Anita: Alright, I think that would be constructive.
Why is this the best response to Anita's concern?
This answer reiterates that a nurse is not able to decide if a patient may be discharged
without the input of their provider, although the patient's perspective should still be heard,
acknowledged, and addressed.
Anita: Why can't I leave now?
, While your entire healthcare team monitors your progress, ultimately your provider decides
when you may be discharged. This will be when you have satisfied certain benchmarks,
such as using your walker by yourself, transferring, and going up and down stairs. If we
discharged you too soon, it could put you at risk for another fall. I know you miss home, but
your safety is of the utmost importance.
Anita: I'll admit, that's not what I wanted to hear. I understand what you're saying, though.
Another fall is the last thing I need.
Why is this the best response to Anita's concern?
This answer provides medical reasoning for why early discharge could jeopardize patient
safety, in addition to correctly representing Procedure Manual policy.
Anita: I understand that I need to make more progress before I can go home. The walker is
an eyesore, but I know it keeps me stable, keeps me upright. What can I do in the meantime
to help my recovery?
What is the most appropriate response to Anita's concern?
Continue doing your exercises and following the physical therapist’s instructions. Eat well,
get plenty of rest, and take your medications as recommended by your provider. It’s great
that you’re motivated, but just remember that pushing too hard and too fast can end up
causing damage in the long-run.
Anita: I understand. My husband has always called me a go-getter, but I'll try to dial it back.
Why is this the best response to Anita's concern?
This answer reiterates the importance of providing education on medical interventions in
order to protect patient safety.
Anita: Now, when I am discharged, will I be able to go home? My husband and I have four
dogs, you know. They're a handful, but I do miss them. I just couldn't do a rehabilitation
facility. They don't seem very . . . comfortable.
What is the most appropriate response to Anita in this situation?
Whether you go home or go to a rehabilitation facility is determined by how much progress
you have made toward these benchmarks. Other factors include your support system, as
well as the safety of your home. The provider will always recommend the option that is best
for your health and safety.
Anita: I understand. My husband Jeffrey is very supportive. He will be able to help me, in
addition to running the house. He's already said that he's going to put all of the rugs in
storage and put up a gate to keep the dogs out of the way. [AUDIO COMING SOON]
