The following 4 questions pertain to this case study:

Exhibits

Indicate which nursing interventions the post-surgical unit nurse should complete. (Select all that apply)

The correct answer is A. Gather information on the patient’s current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. To ensure accuracy, nurses verify the medication list with the patient, family, caregivers, or community pharmacies and document the information in the patient’s EMR.

Choice A: Gather information on the patient’s current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. To ensure accuracy, nurses verify the medication list with the patient, family, caregivers, or community pharmacies and document the information in the patient’s EMR.
This choice accurately describes the comprehensive process of medication reconciliation. Nurses play a crucial role in gathering detailed information about all medications a patient is currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. This information is then verified with various sources such as the patient, their family, caregivers, or community pharmacies to ensure its accuracy. Finally, the verified information is documented in the patient’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR). This process helps prevent medication errors, ensures continuity of care, and enhances patient safety.
Choice B: Review the patient’s medication list to verify its accuracy and completeness. They also compare the list of current medications with new orders or prescriptions to detect any discrepancies or potential issues.
While this choice describes an important aspect of medication reconciliation, it is not as comprehensive as Choice A. Verifying the accuracy and completeness of the medication list and comparing it with new orders or prescriptions is a critical step in identifying discrepancies or potential issues. However, it does not encompass the initial gathering of information from various sources or the documentation process, which are essential components of medication reconciliation.
Choice C: Review the medication history provided by the patient and make changes in the medications based on the patient’s current health status. They communicate any medication changes to the patient and the healthcare team.
This choice focuses on reviewing the medication history and making changes based on the patient’s current health status. While this is an important aspect of patient care, it does not fully capture the scope of medication reconciliation. Medication reconciliation involves not only reviewing and updating medications but also gathering comprehensive information from multiple sources and ensuring accurate documentation. This choice lacks the emphasis on verification and documentation that is central to the medication reconciliation process.

Choice A: True

The essential core of nursing practice indeed revolves around delivering holistic, patient-centered care. This approach integrates the art and science of nursing to ensure comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients. Holistic care involves thorough assessment and evaluation to understand the patient’s overall health status and needs. Nurses provide a variety of interventions, from administering medications to performing procedures, to support patient health and recovery. Additionally, patient and caregiver teaching is crucial for empowering individuals to manage their health effectively. Nurses also play a vital role as members of the interprofessional healthcare team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and effective care.

Choice B: False

The statement that the essential core of nursing practice is not to deliver holistic, patient-centered care is incorrect. Holistic, patient-centered care is a fundamental principle of nursing practice. It emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a disease. This approach ensures that care is tailored to the individual needs of each patient, promoting better health outcomes and patient satisfaction. By focusing on holistic care, nurses can address the diverse aspects of a patient’s well-being, including their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.