Question

which is an example of a nurse-initiated intervention?

teach the client how to splint an abdominal incision when coughing and deep breathing.
administer oxygen at 4 l/min per nasal cannula.
administer morphine sulfate 2 mg intravenous push every 3 hours as needed for pain.
administer a 1000-ml soap suds enema.

Explanation:

Define nurse-initiated interventions

Using the Selecting Nursing Interventions knowledge point, nurse-initiated interventions are independent actions that a nurse executes without a primary care provider's order. These actions are based on scientific rationale and fall within the nurse's licensed scope of practice, such as patient education, health promotion, and basic comfort measures.

Analyze the given options

• Option 1: Teaching a client how to splint an incision is an independent nursing action focused on patient education and postoperative care.
• Option 2: Administering oxygen requires a prescription or medical order.
• Option 3: Administering intravenous morphine is a dependent intervention requiring a provider's prescription.
• Option 4: Administering an enema is an invasive procedure requiring a provider's order.

Select the correct option

The only action that the nurse can initiate independently without a physician's order is teaching the client how to splint an abdominal incision.

Answer:

• Teach the client how to splint an abdominal incision when coughing and deep breathing. (Correct answer)
• Administer oxygen at 4 L/min per nasal cannula.
• Administer morphine sulfate 2 mg intravenous push every 3 hours as needed for pain.
• Administer a 1000-mL soap suds enema.