Which clients would the nurse plan to discharge to free up inpatient beds for other disaster victims?

Discharging clients who can be treated in rehabilitation is a strategic decision during a disaster situation when the demand for inpatient beds exceeds capacity. These clients, while they still require care, do not need the intensive resources or monitoring available in an acute care setting. By transferring them to a rehabilitation facility, the nurse can help ensure that beds remain available for individuals who are critically injured or require immediate surgical interventions, thus optimizing the hospital's ability to respond to the increased influx of patients.

In a disaster situation, resources must be allocated efficiently. Clients with critical changes in condition or those requiring immediate surgery need immediate access to acute care resources, making their discharge inappropriate until their conditions stabilize. Similarly, those needing close monitoring must remain hospitalized to ensure their safety and effective management of their conditions. This further emphasizes the importance of identifying which patients can safely transition to less acute settings without compromising their care needs.