Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Concepts and Trends in Health Care Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Concepts and Trends in Health Care related questions and content

A nurse is providing care for a client who has had a hip replacement and is going to be discharged in 2 days. The nurse has provided the client instructions for care after discharge. Which instruction would be considered accessing tertiary care?

  • A. Begin physical therapy in 1 week.'
  • B. Follow up with your primary health care provider in 2 days to discuss laboratory results.'
  • C. Go to the outpatient laboratory for blood studies in 3 days.'
  • D. Report to the emergency department for signs of infection, shortness of breath, or chest pain.'
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Starting physical therapy, a type of rehabilitation, is a form of tertiary care. Tertiary care focuses on complex medical and surgical interventions, and specialized services such as cancer care and rehabilitative services. Encouraging the client to see a family health care provider would be promoting primary care. Sending the client for lab studies or instructing them to go to the emergency department would be directing the client to seek secondary care, which includes additional testing and emergency care.