Which statement best describes Preadmission planning?

• A. Preadmission teaching is an essential planning responsibility for the outpatient surgery or office nurse who contacts patients before testing or surgery.
• B. Inpatient Care Planning: Organized and effective inpatient plans of care are critical for maximizing the use of resources available in an inpatient setting to support patient recovery and promote patient wellness.
• C. Discharge planning: begins upon the patient's admission and continues until the patient is discharged.
• D. Home care planning focuses on patient care needs in the home.

Answer: (A)

Preadmission planning centers on preparing the patient before a procedure or testing, with an emphasis on education and instructions provided ahead of time. The best description is that preadmission teaching is an essential planning responsibility for the outpatient nurse or the office nurse who contacts patients before testing or surgery, ensuring they understand what will happen, how to prepare (such as fasting or medication adjustments), and what to expect on the day of the procedure. This preparation helps reduce delays and cancellations, lowers anxiety, and promotes patient readiness and informed participation.

In contrast, inpatient care planning focuses on coordinating care and resources during a hospital stay to support recovery; discharge planning starts at admission and continues until the patient leaves the facility, addressing the transition home; and home care planning concentrates on care needs after discharge in the patient’s home. The preadmission description is specific to the preprocedure phase, making it the most accurate portrayal.