Which step of the nursing process is being performed by the nurse who carefully enters a new patient’s medical history and current medication list into the agency’s electronic health record (EHR)?

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.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Total urinary incontinence related to inability to feel urge to urinate is not appropriate for a patient with xerostomia. Xerostomia is the condition of having a dry mouth due to reduced or absent saliva production. It does not affect the urinary system or the sensation of bladder fullness.

Choice B reason: This is correct. Impaired oral mucous membranes related to decreased salivation and dry mouth is appropriate for a patient with xerostomia. Xerostomia can cause oral mucous membranes to become dry, cracked, inflamed, or infected. It can also affect the patient's ability to chew, swallow, speak, or taste.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Bathing self-care deficit related to inability to perceive left-sided body parts is not appropriate for a patient with xerostomia. Xerostomia does not affect the patient's perception of body parts or the ability to perform bathing activities.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Disturbed sensory perception related to feeling of electric pain in feet and hands is not appropriate for a patient with xerostomia. Xerostomia does not cause electric pain in the extremities. This symptom may be related to a nerve disorder, such as peripheral neuropathy.