Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam

The role of a trauma nurse in the discharge planning process primarily centers around educating patients about follow-up care and assessing their social support systems. This aspect is crucial because effective discharge planning helps ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home, reducing the risk of complications and readmissions.

By providing education on follow-up care, the trauma nurse empowers patients with the knowledge they need to manage their recovery independently, such as understanding medication regimens, recognizing signs of complications, and adhering to rehabilitation protocols. Additionally, assessing social support is vital since a strong network can facilitate recovery, offering emotional support and practical assistance, such as transportation to follow-up appointments.

While some other roles outlined, such as performing medical examinations or monitoring vital signs, are essential nursing functions, they pertain more to the immediate care and stabilization of the patient rather than the discharge planning process. Similarly, developing surgical plans is typically within the purview of the surgical team rather than the nursing staff, emphasizing that the trauma nurse's primary focus in discharge planning is patient education and social assessment.