Which of the following may be part of a patient's discharge planning process?

The correct answer focuses on the comprehensive nature of patient discharge planning, which aims to ensure a seamless transition from a care setting back to home or to a less intensive level of care. When planning for discharge, it is crucial to provide recommendations that facilitate ongoing recovery and support the patient's health status.

Outpatient therapy, follow-up appointments, and home care instructions are integral components of this process, as they help the patient continue their rehabilitation and provide necessary support services after they leave the care environment. These recommendations serve to prevent readmissions and foster a smoother recovery by ensuring that the patient has access to the services they need.

In contrast, immediate return to work without follow-up is lacking in structure and support for the patient, possibly putting their health at risk. Suggestions for new medications may not be comprehensive enough for discharge planning, as they could require monitoring or adjustments that should be managed in a clinical setting. While a comprehensive psychological evaluation is beneficial in certain contexts, it doesn’t directly relate to discharge planning, which focuses more on practical post-care applications rather than diagnostic evaluations.