To which facility should a nurse anticipate transferring a client with a total brain injury receiving mechanical ventilation for further treatment?

Transferring a client with a total brain injury who is on mechanical ventilation typically aligns with the capabilities of a long-term care hospital (LTCH). These facilities are equipped to provide extended care for patients requiring ongoing medical needs, including complex cases where mechanical support is necessary. LTCHs are designed to care for individuals who have significant health challenges that need prolonged treatment and monitoring, particularly when the patient has not yet stabilized enough to transition out of acute care.

An acute care hospital is often meant for short-term, intense medical treatment. While it might be where the patient begins their treatment, as they stabilize, they will need a facility that can offer prolonged care. A nursing home generally provides less intensive medical care for patients who require assistance with daily living activities but do not have complex medical needs requiring mechanical ventilation. Lastly, a rehabilitation center focuses on therapy and recovery, which is not suitable immediately following a total brain injury with mechanical ventilation needs until the patient is more stable. For these reasons, the long-term care hospital is the most appropriate option for further treatment.