A nurse is evaluating a patient's response to pain medication after surgery. The patient reports that his pain level is 8 out of 10 on a numeric rating scale, despite receiving morphine 10 mg intravenously 30 minutes ago. What should the nurse do first?

Choice A reason:

Independent nursing interventions are actions that nurses can perform by themselves, without any management from a doctor or another discipline. For example, checking vital signs, repositioning a patient, or providing patient education are independent nursing interventions. These interventions do not require a health care provider's order.

Choice B reason:

Dependent nursing interventions are actions that nurses perform under the direction of a physician or as part of a care plan. For example, administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, or inserting an intravenous line are dependent nursing interventions. These interventions require a health care provider's order.

Choice C reason:

Collaborative nursing interventions are actions that nurses perform in coordination with other health care professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, dietitians, or physical therapists. For example, developing a discharge plan, implementing a wound care protocol, or providing nutritional counseling are collaborative nursing interventions. These interventions may or may not require a health care provider's order, depending on the situation and the scope of practice of the nurse.

Choice D reason:

Evaluative nursing interventions are not a type of intervention, but rather a step in the nursing process. Evaluative nursing interventions are actions that nurses take to assess the outcomes of their care and the effectiveness of their interventions. For example, measuring pain levels, monitoring wound healing, or evaluating patient satisfaction are evaluative nursing interventions. These interventions do not require a health care provider's order.

Choice A reason:

Administering nitroglycerin sublingually as ordered is the next priority action for the nurse because nitroglycerin is a medication that relaxes the heart arteries and improves blood flow to the heart muscle, which can relieve chest pain and shortness of breath caused by coronary artery disease. Nitroglycerin can also lower blood pressure, which can help reduce the workload of the heart and prevent further damage to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is a fast-acting medication that should be given as soon as possible after chest pain occurs or is suspected.

Choice B reason:

Obtaining a complete health history from the patient is not the next priority action for the nurse because it is not an urgent intervention that can address the patient's immediate needs. A complete health history can provide valuable information about the patient's risk factors, past medical history, medications, allergies, and family history, but it can also take a long time to obtain and may not be feasible if the patient is in pain or distress. A complete health history can be obtained later after the patient's condition is stabilized and more urgent interventions are done.

Choice C reason:

Educating the patient about lifestyle modifications is not the next priority action for the nurse because it is not an acute intervention that can relieve the patient's symptoms or prevent further complications. Lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels are important for preventing or managing coronary artery disease in the long term, but they do not have an immediate effect on the patient's condition. Educating the patient about lifestyle modifications can be done later after the patient's condition is improved and the patient is ready to learn.

Choice D reason:

Preparing the patient for cardiac catheterization is not the next priority action for the nurse because it is not a definitive intervention that can confirm or rule out coronary artery disease or other causes of chest pain and shortness of breath. Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure that involves inserting a thin tube into an artery in the groin or arm and advancing it to the heart to inject contrast dye and take X-ray images of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiac catheterization can help identify blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries that may cause chest pain and shortness of breath, but it also carries some risks such as bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, kidney damage, or heart attack. Cardiac catheterization may be ordered by the physician after other tests such as ECG, blood tests, or.