Which actions by the nurse are examples of dependent nursing interventions for a postoperative patient? (Select all that apply).
Calculating the patient’s fluid intake and output at the end of every shift.
Assessing the patient’s abdomen for distention, bowel sounds, and passage of flatus.
Administering a mild stool softener daily to prevent constipation.
Encouraging fluid and fiber intake to prevent constipation from pain medications.
Reinserting the patient's urinary catheter for retention of greater than 500 mL of urine.
Correct Answer : C
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because calculating the patient’s fluid intake and output at the end of every shift is an example of an independent nursing intervention. An independent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform based on their own knowledge, skills, and judgment without a physician's order. The nurse can monitor the patient’s fluid balance and document the results.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because assessing the patient’s abdomen for distention, bowel sounds, and passage of flatus is an example of an independent nursing intervention. An independent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform based on their own knowledge, skills, and judgment without a physician's order. The nurse can perform a physical examination of the patient’s abdomen and document the findings.
Choice C reason: This is a correct choice because administering a mild stool softener daily to prevent constipation is an example of a dependent nursing intervention. A dependent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform only with a physician's order. The nurse cannot give any medication to the patient without a prescription.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because encouraging fluid and fiber intake to prevent constipation from pain medications is an example of an independent nursing intervention. An independent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform based on their own knowledge, skills, and judgment without a physician's order. The nurse can educate the patient about the importance of hydration and nutrition and document the teaching.
Choice E reason: This is a correct choice because reinserting the patient's urinary catheter for retention of greater than 500 mL of urine is an example of a dependent nursing intervention. A dependent nursing intervention is an action that the nurse can perform only with a physician's order. The nurse cannot insert or remove any invasive device from the patient without a prescription.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because suggesting having warm milk with a shot of whisky before going to bed is not an appropriate intervention to treat ongoing insomnia for a middle-aged adult with a busy career. Warm milk may have some soothing effects on the patient, but adding whisky to it may counteract the benefits and worsen the insomnia. Alcohol is a depressant that can make the patient feel sleepy at first, but it can also disrupt the sleep cycle and cause frequent awakenings, nightmares, or hangovers.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because obtaining a prescription for zolpidem to be taken at bedtime is not an appropriate intervention to treat ongoing insomnia for a middle-aged adult with a busy career. Zolpidem is a hypnotic drug that can induce sleep and improve the sleep quality and quantity of the patient, but it can also have many side effects and interactions, and cause dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal. Zolpidem should be used only as a short-term treatment for insomnia, and only under the supervision of a physician.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because recommending the use of sleep aids such as triazolam is not an appropriate intervention to treat ongoing insomnia for a middle-aged adult with a busy career. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine drug that can enhance the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and promotes sleep. However, it can also have many side effects and interactions, and cause dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal. Triazolam should be used only as a short-term treatment for insomnia, and only under the supervision of a physician.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because encouraging the patient to practice peaceful meditation before bedtime is an appropriate intervention to treat ongoing insomnia for a middle-aged adult with a busy career. Meditation is a relaxation technique that can reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions, and promote calmness, mindfulness, and well-being. Meditation can help the patient to fall asleep faster and sleep better, and it does not have any adverse effects or risks. The nurse should teach the patient how to meditate and encourage the patient to practice it regularly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient who is nauseated and vomiting after receiving narcotic pain medication is not the most urgent patient. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of narcotic pain medication and can be managed with antiemetics and hydration. The patient's condition is not life-threatening and does not require immediate intervention.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient who is waiting for discharge teaching in order to go home is not the most urgent patient. Discharge teaching is an important part of patient education and care transition, but it can be delayed until the more critical patients are attended to. The patient's condition is stable and does not require immediate intervention.
Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because the patient with chest pain after two doses of sublingual nitroglycerin is the most urgent patient. Chest pain is a sign of myocardial ischemia, which can lead to myocardial infarction or heart attack. Sublingual nitroglycerin is a medication that dilates the coronary arteries and relieves chest pain. If the chest pain persists after two doses of sublingual nitroglycerin, the patient may have unstable angina or acute coronary syndrome, which are medical emergencies that require immediate intervention⁴.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the constipated patient who needs to use the toilet after receiving a laxative is not the most urgent patient. Constipation is a common gastrointestinal problem that can be treated with laxatives and dietary changes. The patient's condition is not life-threatening and does not require immediate intervention.
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