Question

Difficulty: EasyCollaboration with Interdisciplinary Team

A client is scheduled to be discharged tomorrow following an acute myocardial infarction. While reviewing the new prescription regimen, the client becomes visibly upset and states, 'I have no health insurance and there is no way I can pay for these blood thinners.' Which action by the registered nurse is the most appropriate?

  1. Contact case management to evaluate the client for available medication assistance programs.Answer
  2. B
    Direct the patient care technician to gather and provide pamphlets regarding community financial resources.
  3. C
    Reassure the client that the hospital will provide enough medication samples to manage the condition long-term.
  4. D
    Postpone the remainder of the discharge teaching until the client is no longer visibly upset.

Answer

The most appropriate action is to contact case management to evaluate the client for available medication assistance programs.
Collaborating with case management or social services is the optimal action. These interdisciplinary team members possess specialized knowledge of patient assistance programs, financial resources, and community support systems to help uninsured clients obtain essential discharge medications.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement to identify the primary barrier to a safe discharge.
The client has a critical financial barrier preventing access to life-saving medications.
Identifying the core issue determines which nursing intervention is required next.
2
Determine which interdisciplinary team member is best equipped to resolve financial and access barriers.
Case management or social services are the experts in navigating healthcare costs and community resources.
Effective interprofessional collaboration ensures the client receives specialized assistance outside the direct scope of bedside nursing.
3
Initiate a referral or consultation.
The nurse contacts case management to step in and assist the client.
Prompt referral ensures the barrier is addressed before the scheduled discharge time.

Key Concept

Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team
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