Discharge Planning Task 724.2.4-01-07
Discharge Planning Task 724.2.4-01-07
Western Governors University
Discharge Planning Task 724.2.4-01-07
Successful discharge planning is not something that should be initiated when the patient is ready to go home, but should be discussed prior to the surgery being performed if possible. The total hip replacement that Mr. Trosack is recovering from was not a planned surgery so case management should have begun working on this once he was admitted to the floor postoperatively.
Healthcare Issues and Their Importance
There are numerous healthcare issues that must be considered in discharge planning for Mr. Trosack to ensure that medical, social and functional issues related to his recovery have been evaluated. Safety is a very important healthcare issue that must be addressed prior to discharge. As with most patients over the age of 65, Mr. Trosack is at high risk for a fall for various reasons. 33% of this age group experience one fall per year and commonly involve falling down stairs or steps (Heasley, Buckley, Scally, Twigg, & Elliott, 2005). He lives on the second floor of an apartment building that has no elevator so he must maneuver a long flight of steps to enter or leave his apartment. In addition to this, he has a small apartment that is cluttered with WWII .memorabilia and furniture which increase his chances of tripping and falling.
Mr. Trosack has recently been diagnosed with hypertension and noninsulin dependent diabetes which will present another healthcare issue and result in a lifestyle change for him. Previously, he was not taking any prescription medications and expressed displeasure about having to take the Lopressor and Glucophage now. Although he was educated and demonstrated competency in the hospital on use of a glucometer, this will necessitate a change in his daily routine and be a difficult adjustment. This may also present some challenges for him due to his vision problems. In addition to these medications,
Western Governors University
Discharge Planning Task 724.2.4-01-07
Successful discharge planning is not something that should be initiated when the patient is ready to go home, but should be discussed prior to the surgery being performed if possible. The total hip replacement that Mr. Trosack is recovering from was not a planned surgery so case management should have begun working on this once he was admitted to the floor postoperatively.
Healthcare Issues and Their Importance
There are numerous healthcare issues that must be considered in discharge planning for Mr. Trosack to ensure that medical, social and functional issues related to his recovery have been evaluated. Safety is a very important healthcare issue that must be addressed prior to discharge. As with most patients over the age of 65, Mr. Trosack is at high risk for a fall for various reasons. 33% of this age group experience one fall per year and commonly involve falling down stairs or steps (Heasley, Buckley, Scally, Twigg, & Elliott, 2005). He lives on the second floor of an apartment building that has no elevator so he must maneuver a long flight of steps to enter or leave his apartment. In addition to this, he has a small apartment that is cluttered with WWII .memorabilia and furniture which increase his chances of tripping and falling.
Mr. Trosack has recently been diagnosed with hypertension and noninsulin dependent diabetes which will present another healthcare issue and result in a lifestyle change for him. Previously, he was not taking any prescription medications and expressed displeasure about having to take the Lopressor and Glucophage now. Although he was educated and demonstrated competency in the hospital on use of a glucometer, this will necessitate a change in his daily routine and be a difficult adjustment. This may also present some challenges for him due to his vision problems. In addition to these medications,