If a patient's wife expresses concerns about food and medications before discharge, what is the best response?

When a patient's wife expresses concerns about food and medications before discharge, the most appropriate response is to notify the social service worker or case manager. This option is correct because social workers and case managers are specifically trained to address a range of patient needs, including social, emotional, and logistical issues that may arise during discharge planning. They can assess the family's situation, provide appropriate resources, and coordinate support services to ensure that the patient has access to necessary food and medications after leaving the hospital.

Involving a social service worker or case manager helps to centralize care coordination, ensuring that all aspects of the patient's discharge are handled holistically, thereby improving patient and family satisfaction and outcomes. They are equipped to handle complex cases and can assist in connecting the family with community resources, such as meal services or financial assistance programs.

The other options do not adequately address the family's concerns. Simply informing the wife to manage the situation herself places undue burden on her and does not provide professional support. Stating that discharge cannot proceed could be an overreaction, potentially delaying care without a constructive solution. Suggesting food banks might seem helpful, but it does not offer the structured support that a case manager or social worker can provide in navigating available resources.