Which phase includes Out of ICU, preparing for discharge?

• A. Education for discharge - AD, assistance levels
• B. Begin strength training, using other equipment
• C. Out of ICU, preparing for discharge
• D. Transfer and pre-gait, walking in room

Answer: (C)

In this stage of recovery, the focus is the transition from the ICU to preparing for discharge. When a patient moves out of the ICU, the team shifts toward discharge readiness: assessing safety at home, coordinating follow-up, and teaching the patient and family what to expect. This phase centers on getting the patient medically stable for discharge and setting up the necessary supports, including education about discharge and determining what level of assistance will be needed after leaving the hospital. That alignment is why this option is the best choice—the phase name itself signals the shift toward discharge planning and readiness.

Activities like starting strength training with various equipment belong to earlier inpatient rehab phases where rebuilding overall strength is the priority, while transfer and pre-gait work or walking in the room are more focused on early mobility and gait progression within the hospital. They don’t specifically denote the discharge-preparation transition, which is why the out-of-ICU, preparing-for-discharge phase is the fitting label.