Running

head: DISCHARGE PLANNING PROJECT

Discharge Planning Project
Anthony Cline
University of South Florida

DISCHARGE PLANNING PROJECT

Patient discharge is one of the most important aspects in treating a patient in

the acute care setting. The primary goal of discharge planning is to provide the
patient with the necessary resources to return to their lifestyle with little to no
hindrance of function and also reduce the occurrence of remittance. The job of the
nurse is to help coordinate all of the consults and provide patient education on
subjects such as medications, self care instructions, follow-up appointments and
what to do in case of complications.
For the purpose of this project, the patients name will be changed to Mr.
Smith. Mr. Smith had been having trouble urinating over the last year and it had
gradually become worse. He went to see his Urologist to talk about his urinary
incontinence. After some tests and an exam, his physician told him he had benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The best method of treatment for his situation was a
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). During this procedure the urologist
will insert a surgical instrument into the urethra and cut away parts of the prostate
to allow for better urine flow through the urethra. After the procedure Mr. Smith
was placed on continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) via a three way urinary catheter
to help prevent clots and muscle spasms.
Mr. Smith was asked on many occasions if he had any questions about his
procedure or his plan of care. The urologist did a fantastic job explaining to him
what to expect and how this will benefit, during his pre-op appointments. Before Mr.
Smith was discharged he was given a packet of information that could help answer
any questions he might have after he left the hospital. All of the information in the
packet was explained to him when it was given. The contents of the packet included

DISCHARGE PLANNING PROJECT

a medication reconciliation that combined his current medications with the ones the
urologist ordered for him and also listed the times he needed to take his next dose.
There was also a small four page pamphlet explaining his procedure, any side
effects, and how to care for his surgical site post operatively.
Since this is a minimally invasive procedure and he is expected to return to
his normal function when it heals, he would not need a home assessment or any
nursing care after he is discharged. He was instructed on any complications to arise
and how to call his urologist if needed and to schedule his follow up appointment for
one to two weeks after going home. Mr. Smith was told to watch for the signs of
infection like swelling, purulent discharge and fever and to call his physician if any
of these happen. He was instructed that is possible he might have a little bit of
bleeding during urination for the next two to three weeks but reminded to drink
plenty of fluids. It should not hurt during urination so if it does he was told to call his
doctor. Mr. Smith did not have any further questions and was very appreciative in
the explanations given to him. He felt confident he could care for himself after
discharge.
Discharge planning is a process that starts when the patient is admitted to
the hospital. The physicians and nursing staff are responsible for any patent needs
during their hospital stay and planning for appropriate care after discharge. One of
the main goals of discharge planning is to prevent the readmission of the patient.
Proper education on medications, care of illness or injury, and what to do if a
complication arises are all necessary in the process of safely discharging a patient
and can prevent readmission.