Which actions by the nurse are examples of independent nursing interventions for a postoperative patient? (Select all that apply).
Switching the patient’s injected pain medication to oral tablets before discharge.
Elevating the head of the patient’s bed to facilitate use of the incentive spirometer.
Administering intravenous fluids when the patient is unable to eat or drink.
Advancing a patient’s diet from clear liquids to solid foods after surgery.
Teaching patients with heart failure how to do accurate daily weights.
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A reason: This is a correct choice because switching the patient’s injected pain medication to oral tablets before discharge 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 decide when to switch the route of administration of the pain medication based on the patient's condition, preference, and readiness for discharge.
Choice B reason: This is a correct choice because elevating the head of the patient’s bed to facilitate use of the incentive spirometer 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 adjust the position of the patient's bed to promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis, which are common postoperative complications.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because administering intravenous fluids when the patient is unable to eat or drink 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 intravenous fluids to the patient without a prescription.
Choice D reason: This is a correct choice because advancing a patient’s diet from clear liquids to solid foods after surgery 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 progress the patient's diet based on the patient's tolerance, appetite, and bowel function.
Choice E reason: This is a correct choice because teaching patients with heart failure how to do accurate daily weights 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 monitoring their weight and fluid status and document the teaching.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because providing a warm cup of hot chocolate may make it more difficult for the patient to fall asleep. Hot chocolate contains caffeine and sugar, which are stimulants that can interfere with the sleep cycle and cause insomnia. The nurse should avoid giving the patient any beverages or foods that contain caffeine or sugar before bedtime.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because giving the patient a gentle backrub may make it easier for the patient to fall asleep. A backrub is a relaxation technique that can reduce muscle tension, pain, and anxiety, and promote comfort and sleep. The nurse should offer the patient a backrub or other soothing interventions before bedtime.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because encouraging the patient to use the bathroom may make it easier for the patient to fall asleep. Using the bathroom before bed can prevent nocturia, which is the need to urinate at night, and allow the patient to have uninterrupted sleep. The nurse should assist the patient to use the bathroom or provide a urinal or bedpan if needed.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because giving the patient an extra blanket when cold may make it easier for the patient to fall asleep. Maintaining a comfortable temperature is important for sleep quality and quantity. The nurse should adjust the room temperature and provide extra blankets or fans as requested by the patient.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because soaking the crusted areas of tape with adhesive remover is not the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. Adhesive remover is a solvent that can dissolve the glue that holds the tape to the skin. However, it can also irritate the skin and cause redness, burning, or allergic reactions. The nurse should avoid using adhesive remover on the patient's face, especially near the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because saturating the tape with a denatured alcohol solution is not the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. Denatured alcohol is a mixture of ethanol and other chemicals that can dissolve the glue that holds the tape to the skin. However, it can also dry out the skin and cause cracking, peeling, or bleeding. The nurse should avoid using denatured alcohol on the patient's face, especially near the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because using blunt-edged scissors to loosen the tape from the skin is not the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. Blunt-edged scissors are scissors that have rounded tips instead of sharp points. They can be used to cut the tape without injuring the skin. However, they can also pull or tug on the skin and cause pain, discomfort, or damage. The nurse should avoid using scissors on the patient's face, especially near the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because softening the secretions using a warm moist washcloth is the best approach to change nasogastric tube tape that has become crusted with secretions. A warm moist washcloth is a cloth that is soaked in warm water and wrung out. It can be applied gently to the crusted areas of tape to soften the secretions and loosen the tape from the skin. It can also soothe the skin and prevent irritation or infection. The nurse should use a clean washcloth for each application and discard it after use.
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