What is the most appropriate nursing action after obtaining a client's consent for discharge planning involving their family?

Including the family when making specific discharge plans is the most appropriate nursing action after obtaining a client's consent for discharge planning involving their family. This ensures that the care team actively engages the family in the process, which is crucial for a smooth transition from the healthcare setting to home or another care environment.

Involving the family allows for a comprehensive understanding of the client's needs and preferences, as well as the family’s insights into the client’s home environment, support systems, and potential challenges that they may face after discharge. It reinforces the collaborative nature of healthcare, empowering both the client and their support system. By including family members, the nursing team can tailor the discharge plan to ensure it is realistic and feasible for the client’s particular circumstances, ultimately improving their chances for recovery and satisfaction with the care received.

While informing the family about the discharge timing, answering their questions, and having them assess readiness are all important components of the discharge process, they do not carry the same level of collaborative engagement or specificity in planning. Merely notifying them or answering questions does not ensure that the family has had input into the essential aspects of the discharge plan itself, which can significantly impact the client's recovery.