In the nursing plan for Ms. Rails, what action is most appropriate?

In the context of a nursing plan, contacting social services for support can be crucial when a patient may require additional resources or assistance beyond medical care. Each patient’s situation can be complex and may involve social, financial, or emotional needs that healthcare professionals may not be able to address adequately within the scope of nursing care alone.

By reaching out to social services, the nurse ensures that Ms. Rails has access to comprehensive support systems. This can be particularly vital if she faces barriers to recovery, such as financial difficulties, lack of transportation, or insufficient caregiving at home. Social services can provide referrals and resources tailored to the patient’s individual situation, thus promoting her overall well-being and recovery process.

In contrast, while advising the patient to rest, ensuring medication adherence, or providing educational materials about recovery are important nursing actions, they may not fully address broader issues that could be impeding Ms. Rails' recovery. If social support or resources are lacking, simply focusing on medical treatment or education may not lead to optimal health outcomes.