On a surgical unit, a 27-year-old man is 3 days post-op after an appendectomy and will be discharged tomorrow. Which healthcare worker is most appropriate and cost-effective to provide health teaching for this patient?

On a surgical unit, a 27-year-old man is 3 days post-op after an appendectomy and will be discharged tomorrow. Which healthcare worker is most appropriate and cost-effective to provide health teaching for this patient?

• A. Registered nurse (RN)
• B. Registered practical nurse/licensed practical nurse (RPN/LPN)
• C. Expanded role nurse/nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist
• D. Support worker

Answer: (B)

Discharge teaching for a stable, uncomplicated post-op patient can be effectively handled by a licensed practical nurse. This level of provider has the training to give clear instructions on wound care, pain management, activity progression, medication use, follow-up appointments, and red-flag signs, all using teach-back to confirm understanding. They work within their scope under supervision and can coordinate with the broader team if questions arise. Choosing an expanded role nurse would be more than what’s needed for routine discharge instructions and would add cost without additional benefit in this scenario. A registered nurse could deliver the teaching as well, but that option is less cost-effective for straightforward discharge education. A support worker typically isn’t equipped to provide formal health teaching about post-op care and safety.

Discharge teaching for a stable, uncomplicated post-op patient can be effectively handled by a licensed practical nurse. This level of provider has the training to give clear instructions on wound care, pain management, activity progression, medication use, follow-up appointments, and red-flag signs, all using teach-back to confirm understanding. They work within their scope under supervision and can coordinate with the broader team if questions arise.

Choosing an expanded role nurse would be more than what’s needed for routine discharge instructions and would add cost without additional benefit in this scenario. A registered nurse could deliver the teaching as well, but that option is less cost-effective for straightforward discharge education. A support worker typically isn’t equipped to provide formal health teaching about post-op care and safety.