The nurse is planning a discharge teaching plan for a client who sustained a spinal cord injury. To provide for a safe environment regarding home care, which option should be the priority in the discharge teaching plan?

Involving the client's significant others in discharge teaching is a priority in planning for the client with a spinal cord injury. The client will need the support of the significant others. Knowledge and understanding of what to expect will help both the client and significant others deal with the client's limitations. Long-term placement is not the only option for a client with a spinal cord injury. Laboratory and diagnostic testing are not priority discharge instructions for this client. A primary health care provider's prescription is not necessary for discharge planning and teaching; this is an independent nursing action.