What should you do if a day surgery patient with aphasia is ready for discharge but their family is unavailable for instructions?

In the scenario where a day surgery patient with aphasia is ready for discharge but their family is unavailable for instructions, waiting until the family returns is the most appropriate action. This is essential because patients with aphasia may have difficulty communicating or understanding verbal instructions due to their condition. Without the family present, there is a risk that critical discharge instructions may not be adequately conveyed or understood, which could lead to complications or safety risks for the patient after leaving the facility.

While it might seem reasonable to discharge the patient with verbal or written instructions, the patient's ability to comprehend and follow those instructions could be severely limited due to their aphasia. Additionally, contacting the medical power of attorney (POA) might not be feasible or necessary if the family is expected to return shortly. Therefore, ensuring that the patient's family receives proper instruction upon their arrival is crucial to facilitate safe recovery and adherence to post-operative care guidelines.