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The key responsibility of the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) in this scenario focuses on ensuring safe discharge planning through collaboration. When preparing a patient for discharge, the CNL plays a crucial role in coordinating care among various healthcare providers, including physicians and case managers. This collaboration is essential to ensure that all aspects of a patient’s needs—medical, psychosocial, and logistical—are addressed for a safe transition from hospital to home or another care setting.

Discharge planning involves evaluating the patient's condition, understanding their requirements post-discharge, and ensuring that appropriate follow-up care is organized. By consulting with the medical doctor (MD) and case manager, the CNL can assist in addressing any potential risks, coordinating resources, and making necessary arrangements for follow-up care. This comprehensive approach helps to mitigate readmission risks and supports optimal patient outcomes.

In contrast to this option, conducting all follow-up appointments personally is not feasible or within the scope of a CNL's responsibilities, as they might not have the resources or time to manage every appointment for every patient. Collecting and distributing feedback from the dietitian is also an important role, but it does not encompass the high-level decision-making and coordination needed for discharge planning. While ensuring the patient is aware of all