A recent nursing graduate is aware of the differences between nursing actions that are independent and nursing actions that are interdependent. A nurse performs an interdependent nursing intervention when performing which of the following actions?

Question

A) Auscultating a patient's apical heart rate during an admission assessment
B) Providing mouth care to a patient who is unconscious following a cerebrovascular accident
C) Administering an IV bolus of normal saline to a patient with hypotension
D) Providing discharge teaching to a postsurgical patient about the rationale for a course of oral antibiotics

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Although many nursing actions are independent, others are interdependent, such as carrying out prescribed treatments, administering medications and therapies, and collaborating with other health care team members to accomplish specific, expected outcomes and to monitor and manage potential complications. Irrigating a wound, administering pain medication, and administering IV fluids are interdependent nursing actions and require a physician's order. An independent nursing action occurs when the nurse assesses a patient's heart rate, provides discharge education, or provides mouth care.