Which statement correctly describes a nurse initiated intervention
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
A nurse-initiated intervention refers to a nursing action or procedure that a nurse can perform independently, without the need for a physician’s order. These interventions are based on the nurse’s clinical judgment, knowledge, and the scope of nursing practice. They are a vital part of the nursing process and contribute significantly to patient care.
Correct Answer:
A nurse-initiated intervention is an action that nurses can take autonomously, based on their professional assessment, knowledge, and evidence-based practice.
Explanation:
Nursing interventions are actions taken by nurses to improve or manage patient outcomes, and these interventions fall into different categories based on who authorizes them. The three primary categories are:
- Nurse-initiated (Independent) interventions
- Physician-initiated (Dependent) interventions
- Collaborative interventions
Nurse-initiated interventions are those actions that the nurse can carry out independently, based on their knowledge and clinical judgment, without requiring a physician’s order. These interventions are grounded in the nursing process, which involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. A nurse might independently initiate interventions such as:
- Monitoring vital signs regularly for changes in a patient’s condition.
- Providing patient education, such as teaching a diabetic patient how to manage their condition and use an insulin pen.
- Encouraging mobility in a postoperative patient to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Pain management, such as providing comfort measures (e.g., repositioning or administering prescribed pain relievers).
These interventions are informed by the nurse’s professional judgment and knowledge of evidence-based practices, which guide decisions that optimize patient care and outcomes. Importantly, nurse-initiated interventions are part of the broader scope of nursing practice and are foundational to providing patient-centered care that aligns with the needs, preferences, and health goals of patients.
In contrast, physician-initiated interventions require a doctor’s order (e.g., prescribing medications), while collaborative interventions involve the combined efforts of nurses and other healthcare professionals (e.g., physical therapists or dietitians) working together to provide comprehensive care.
Nurse-initiated interventions ensure that nurses play a proactive, autonomous role in patient care, improving outcomes and fostering holistic approaches to health.