What role does the nurse play in discharge planning?

The role of the nurse in discharge planning is crucial for ensuring that patients transition safely and effectively from the hospital to their home or another care setting. Coordinating patient education and continuity of care involves several important responsibilities.

Nurses assess the needs of the patient and their support system, educating them about their diagnosis, medications, and follow-up care requirements. This education empowers patients to understand their health conditions and how to manage them upon discharge, which is essential for preventing readmissions and promoting recovery.

Additionally, the nurse plays a key role in ensuring continuity of care by coordinating with other healthcare team members, including physicians, pharmacists, and social workers. This coordination helps to ensure that all aspects of the patient's care plan are communicated clearly and that the patient receives the necessary services, such as home health care or rehabilitation, after leaving the hospital.

This multidimensional approach underscores the nurse's integral role not just in providing care, but in advocating for the patient's ongoing health needs, which makes option B the most accurate choice regarding the nurse's responsibilities in discharge planning.