Which nursing care concept is demonstrated when the nurse takes the time to correct assessment information that was entered for the wrong patient?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the nurse braids the patient’s long hair to prevent tangles is not an action that demonstrates the concept of nurse autonomy. Nurse autonomy refers to the ability and right of nurses to make independent decisions about patient care without interference from others. Braiding the patient’s hair is a personal care task that does not require the nurse to use their own judgment or expertise.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because the nurse checks the policy manual before changing the central line dressing is an action that demonstrates the concept of nurse autonomy. Nurse autonomy refers to the ability and right of nurses to make independent decisions about patient care without interference from others. Checking the policy manual before changing the central line dressing shows that the nurse is responsible for following the evidence-based guidelines and standards of practice for this procedure.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because the nurse counts the patient’s pulse before administering digoxin is not an action that demonstrates the concept of nurse autonomy. Nurse autonomy refers to the ability and right of nurses to make independent decisions about patient care without interference from others. Counting the patient’s pulse before administering digoxin is a routine task that is prescribed by the physician and does not involve the nurse’s own decision making.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the nurse directs the nursing assistant to obtain the patient's weight is not an action that demonstrates the concept of nurse autonomy. Nurse autonomy refers to the ability and right of nurses to make independent decisions about patient care without interference from others. Directing the nursing assistant to obtain the patient's weight is a task that is delegated by the nurse and does not reflect the nurse’s own authority or initiative.

Choice A reason: This is correct. Risk for injury related to smoking near supplemental oxygen is the priority nursing diagnosis for this family. Smoking near supplemental oxygen can cause a fire or an explosion that can injure or kill the patient and the spouse. The nurse should educate the family about the dangers of smoking near oxygen and provide resources to help the spouse quit smoking.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Risk-prone health behavior related to inability to quit smoking is a relevant nursing diagnosis for this family, but not the priority. Smoking is a harmful habit that can cause various health problems, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. The nurse should assess the spouse's readiness to quit smoking and provide support and counseling.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Ineffective health maintenance related to continued use of cigarettes is a valid nursing diagnosis for this family, but not the priority. Smoking can impair the health of the patient and the spouse, especially if the patient has a respiratory condition that requires supplemental oxygen. The nurse should monitor the patient's and the spouse's vital signs, oxygen saturation, and respiratory status.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Ineffective family therapeutic regimen management related to noncompliance is an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this family, but not the priority. Smoking near supplemental oxygen can indicate that the family is not following the prescribed treatment plan for the patient's condition. The nurse should evaluate the family's understanding of the patient's oxygen therapy and the reasons for noncompliance.