A nurse is planning care for a client with complex medical needs. Which of the following would be an example of interprofessional collaboration?

Choice A reason: Involving the client in decision-making is an example of client-centered care, not interprofessional collaboration. While it is essential for respecting autonomy and promoting adherence, it does not involve coordination between different health care disciplines.

Choice B reason: Including family members in care planning is part of holistic and family-centered care. It supports emotional and social needs but does not represent collaboration between different professional disciplines.

Choice C reason: Consulting with a physical therapist about care decisions is a clear example of interprofessional collaboration. It involves communication and coordination between professionals from different fields—nursing and physical therapy—to optimize client outcomes. This demonstrates teamwork across disciplines, which is the essence of interprofessional practice.

Choice D reason: Working with another nurse to perform a procedure is considered intraprofessional collaboration, as it involves professionals from the same discipline. While valuable, it does not meet the definition of interprofessional collaboration, which requires input from different health care professions.

Choice A reason: Increasing the oxygen level may seem appropriate because the saturation is 89%, but in clients with COPD, oxygen therapy must be carefully titrated. These patients rely on hypoxic drive to stimulate breathing, and excessive oxygen can suppress respiratory drive, leading to CO2 retention and respiratory failure. Since the client is resting comfortably and not in distress, increasing oxygen is not the immediate action.

Choice B reason: Administering PRN furosemide is indicated for fluid overload in congestive heart failure, typically when there are signs such as pulmonary edema, crackles, or dyspnea. In this case, the client is resting comfortably without evidence of acute fluid overload, so furosemide is not warranted.

Choice C reason: Delivering PRN albuterol is appropriate for acute bronchospasm or wheezing. The client is not showing signs of respiratory distress, wheezing, or bronchospasm. Therefore, albuterol is not necessary at this time.

Choice D reason: Continuing to monitor is the most appropriate action. The client’s oxygen saturation of 89% is acceptable for a COPD patient, as their target range is often 88–92%. Since the client is comfortable and stable, the nurse should continue monitoring while avoiding unnecessary interventions that could destabilize the patient’s condition.