In discharge planning, how might the RD be involved?

• A. Design diet instructions for reference; contact nutrition support programs; provide educational handouts; provide new facility handoff assessment
• B. Prescribe medications
• C. Perform surgery
• D. Arrange transportation

Answer: (A)

In discharge planning, the RD’s role centers on ensuring nutrition needs are addressed and continuity of care after leaving the facility. This means designing practical diet instructions for the patient at home, coordinating connections to nutrition support programs or services (such as home-delivered meals or community nutrition resources), providing education tailored to the patient and caregiver, and delivering a concise nutrition-related handoff to the next care setting to guide follow-up. These actions directly support safe, effective transition and help prevent malnutrition or diet-related complications after discharge.

Medications are prescribed by the physician, surgery is performed by a surgeon, and arranging transportation is typically handled by social work or case management.