A nurse Responding to a daughter who does not want her mother to go to a nursing home at discharge, saying she is the only child and is tired and frustrated. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Assist daughter in setting realistic goals and offer support
• B. Insist on nursing home placement
• C. Tell her to take a break and rest
• D. Suggest discontinuing care altogether

Answer: (A)

The situation centers on supporting a caregiver while planning safe discharge. When a daughter, as the only caregiver, says she’s tired and doesn’t want her mother to go to a nursing home, respond with empathy and invite her into a collaborative planning conversation. Validate her feelings, then work together to set realistic goals for home care. This includes identifying what supports would make home care feasible and safe—such as home health visits, respite care for the daughter, and links to social work and community resources. By outlining a practical plan and connecting her with available services, the nurse helps relieve some of the caregiver burden while respecting both the daughter’s concerns and the mother’s needs. This approach balances safety, the patient’s preferences, and the family’s capacity, reducing burnout and keeping discharge plans achievable. Options that push for institutional care, suggest only taking a break without planning, or discontinue care, don’t address the caregiver strain or safety and thus aren’t appropriate.