Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What is the term for the official release of a patient from a healthcare facility to their home?

1. Admission

2. Transfer

3. Discharge

4. Leave of absence

The correct answer is: Discharge

The term for the official release of a patient from a healthcare facility to their home is "discharge." Discharge signifies that the healthcare team has determined that the patient is stable enough to leave the facility and continue their recovery or management of their condition at home. It involves the completion of necessary assessments, possibly education about home care, and ensuring that follow-up appointments are arranged, signifying that the patient's needs can be met outside the hospital or healthcare setting. "Admission" refers to the process of formally accepting a patient into the hospital. "Transfer" describes the movement of a patient from one healthcare facility to another, often for specialized care or services. "Leave of absence" is not related to the release from care but rather refers to a temporary permission for a patient to leave the facility for a specific reason while still retaining their status as a patient of that facility.