For a patient being discharged with newly prescribed antihypertensive therapy, who should provide the initial discharge teaching?

For a patient being discharged with newly prescribed antihypertensive therapy, who should provide the initial discharge teaching?

• A. The LPN should provide discharge education.
• B. The RN should provide discharge education, potentially with pharmacist input.
• C. The UAP should provide discharge education.
• D. The physician should provide discharge education.

Answer: (B)

Discharge teaching for a new antihypertensive is a nursing responsibility that begins before the patient leaves the hospital. The nurse is trained to assess the patient’s learning needs, health literacy, language, and readiness to learn, then provide clear instructions on how to take the medication, monitor blood pressure, recognize common side effects, know what to do if a dose is missed, and when to seek help. Because antihypertensive therapy often involves specific dosing, potential interactions, and safety cautions, having the pharmacist reinforce medication-specific details—such as dosing schedules, possible adverse effects, and interactions—enhances understanding and safety. The LPN/LVN can reinforce information within their scope, but the initial comprehensive discharge education and assessment of understanding should be led by the RN. UAPs do not provide health education, and the physician’s role is to prescribe and discuss diagnoses, not deliver the detailed discharge teaching.

Discharge teaching for a new antihypertensive is a nursing responsibility that begins before the patient leaves the hospital. The nurse is trained to assess the patient’s learning needs, health literacy, language, and readiness to learn, then provide clear instructions on how to take the medication, monitor blood pressure, recognize common side effects, know what to do if a dose is missed, and when to seek help. Because antihypertensive therapy often involves specific dosing, potential interactions, and safety cautions, having the pharmacist reinforce medication-specific details—such as dosing schedules, possible adverse effects, and interactions—enhances understanding and safety. The LPN/LVN can reinforce information within their scope, but the initial comprehensive discharge education and assessment of understanding should be led by the RN. UAPs do not provide health education, and the physician’s role is to prescribe and discuss diagnoses, not deliver the detailed discharge teaching.