Read the following article:
- Stevens, S. (2015). Preventing 30-day Readmissions. Nursing Clinics of North America, 50 (Transformational Tool Kit for Front Line Nurses), 123-137. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2014.10.010
Initial Discussion Post:
An older adult male is readmitted to the hospital with an exacerbation of heart failure just 2 weeks after being discharged for the same problem. He lives alone and does not drive. He presented to the emergency department reporting severe shortness of breath at rest. Physical exam shows 4+ peripheral edema of the lower extremities, abnormal breath sounds in both upper and both lower lobes with a labored breathing pattern and an extra heart sound. His weight in the emergency department is 10 pounds more than his weight on discharge 2 weeks ago. Oxygen saturation is 90% on 4 liters by nasal cannula; heart rate 110; blood pressure 140/90; respiratory rate 24.
When he was discharged 2 weeks ago, he had been provided the standardized package of discharge information for heart failure patients. This information discussed medications, diet, exercise and when to seek medical help for changes in his symptoms.
Address the Following:
- Which variable (communication, discharge planning, or health literacy) described in the article would you address as the RN in planning the discharge for this patient? Why is this variable a priority for this patient?
- Identify an intervention that the nurse can implement to address this variable and change the outcome for this patient.
