A nurse is developing a discharge plan for a client who is postoperative and will require a wheelchair in the home. The nurse should place a referral to which of the following resources to assist the client with this need?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should not include the client's dressing change schedule in the verbal report when transferring care to the medical-surgical unit. While this information is important for the client's care, it is not a priority for the receiving unit to know during the immediate transfer. Dressing change schedules can vary based on the type of surgery and wound healing progress, and the medical-surgical unit will focus on the client's overall condition.

Choice B rationale:

The client's level of consciousness is a critical piece of information to include in the verbal report when transferring care. Changes in level of consciousness can indicate neurological deterioration or potential complications, especially after a major surgery like open heart surgery. This information helps the receiving nurses monitor the client's condition closely and respond appropriately if any deterioration occurs.

Choice C rationale:

While reporting the client's vital signs from the previous shift is important, it might not be the most relevant information during the immediate transfer from the postoperative unit to the medical-surgical unit. Vital signs can change rapidly, and the receiving nurses will assess the client's current vital signs upon arrival. Therefore, this information is not the priority for the verbal report.

Choice D rationale:

The client's occupation is not a critical piece of information to include in the verbal report during a transfer from the postoperative unit to the medical-surgical unit. The primary focus of the transfer report should be on the client's immediate postoperative condition, potential complications, and any other information directly related to their current medical status.

Choice A rationale:

Child Protective Services would not be the appropriate agency to refer the guardian of the newborn who requires apnea monitoring at home. Child Protective Services deals with child abuse, neglect, and welfare concerns, which are not related to the specific medical needs of the newborn.

Choice B rationale:

Public Health is the correct choice. Public Health agencies are responsible for promoting and protecting the health of the community. They often provide services such as education, vaccinations, and resources for newborn care. Referring the guardian to Public Health can ensure that they receive appropriate guidance on how to manage the newborn's apnea monitoring needs at home and any other relevant health-related information.

Choice C rationale:

Home Health is not the most suitable agency in this context. Home Health agencies generally provide healthcare services directly in patients' homes, often for individuals who require medical assistance or supervision due to illnesses or post-surgical care. However, for a newborn requiring apnea monitoring, the focus is more on education and support rather than direct medical care.

Choice D rationale:

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is not the appropriate agency for referring the guardian of the newborn needing apnea monitoring. WIC is a program that provides supplemental nutrition and support to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children. While it is important for the overall health of the newborn, it is not directly related to apnea monitoring or home care.