What it means
The word has two common meanings. In care planning, discharge is when the client leaves the hospital or agency, and discharge planning begins at admission so the client has teaching, drugs, equipment and follow-up arranged. In assessment, discharge is fluid coming from a wound, the eye, the ear, the vagina or the nipple; nurses describe its color, amount, smell and thickness.
For the nurse
Before discharge, use teach-back to check the client understands drugs, warning signs and appointments. For body fluid discharge, note any change, especially a foul smell, pus or blood, and report it.
In a chart
"Discharge teaching done using teach-back; client states three signs of wound infection."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | D/C is on the ISMP error-prone list (it can mean discharge or discontinue): write the word. |
|---|---|
| Spanish | alta (from hospital); secreción (fluid) |
| Also written | discharges, discharged |
Related terms
secretion
A substance a gland or cell makes and releases, such as mucus, saliva, sweat or a hormone.
follow-up
A later check, visit or action to see how a client is doing or whether a problem has been solved.
client education
Teaching a client, and often the family, what they need to know and do to manage their health.
drainage
Fluid that flows out of a wound, body cavity or tube, or the removal of that fluid.