What is the first step in discharging a patient from an acute care facility who will require home-based mechanical ventilation?

a. Patient and family education and training are initiated.
b. The family is consulted about the feasibil-ity.
c. All equipment and necessary supplies are readied.
d. The physician writes appropriate orders and sets objectives.

ANS: B
Basic steps in the discharge process for a ventilator-dependent patient include the following:
1. Family is consulted regarding feasibility.
2. Physician writes appropriate orders.
3. Discharge planner coordinates efforts of team members and discharge plan is formulated.
4. Physician and other team members discuss plan with family and/or caregivers.
5. Education and training are initiated and completed.
6. Patient and family are prepared for discharge.
7. Home layout is assessed with necessary changes made.
8. Equipment and supplies are readied.
9. Discharge planner meets with team and makes final preparations.
10. Patient is discharged (with trial period, if necessary).
11. Local power company is notified regarding the presence of life-support equipment; appropri-ate backup power (battery or compressed gas source) is made available.
12. Ongoing and follow-up care provided by visiting nurse, respiratory therapist, and other health care professionals (as necessary).