Which nursing intervention is an independent function of the professional nurse?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering oral analgesics is an independent function of the professional nurse. Independent nursing interventions are those that a nurse is licensed to initiate based on their knowledge and skills without needing an order from a healthcare provider. Nurses are educated and trained in medication administration, including oral analgesics, and can independently assess the need for and safely administer them within their scope of practice. While requesting diagnostic studies, teaching perineal care, and providing wound care are essential nursing interventions, they typically require some form of healthcare provider's order or supervision, making them more interdependent activities.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most accurate statement related to clinical practice among the choices presented is that neonatal nurse practitioners provide emergency care in the postbirth setting to high-risk infants. Neonatal nurse practitioners specialize in the care of newborns, particularly those who are premature or have health complications. They work in settings such as neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and provide specialized care to meet the needs of high-risk infants. Neonatal nurse practitioners collaborate with neonatologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure that these fragile patients receive the necessary care and attention. This role involves advanced clinical skills and knowledge in the care of neonates, making it a crucial part of the healthcare team for newborns in need of specialized care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A patient who is Gravida 3, para 2, with no complications can safely be cared for by a certified nurse-midwife. This patient has had two previous pregnancies, both resulting in successful deliveries, and is currently not experiencing any complications. Nurse-midwives are trained to provide care for low-risk pregnancies and deliveries, making this patient an appropriate candidate for their care. Patients with mild hypertension (choice B), insulin-dependent diabetes (choice C), or borderline pelvic measurements (choice D) would likely require additional monitoring and potential intervention beyond the scope of practice of a certified nurse-midwife.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A: During the nineteenth century, women of privilege were delivered by midwives in a hospital setting. This option is correct because historically, women of higher social status often gave birth in hospitals attended by midwives. This practice was prevalent in the nineteenth century as hospitals started to become more established and accepted as centers for childbirth among the wealthier classes. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, referring to granny midwives receiving training through apprenticeship, does not accurately reflect the historical evolution of maternity care in the context of women of privilege giving birth in hospitals. Option C, stating that improved obstetric outcomes were related to increased usage of hygienic practices, while important in the advancement of maternity care, does not directly address the treatment options used in the past century. Option D, suggesting a shift to hospital-based births due to medical equipment facilitating birth, oversimplifies the complex reasons behind the transition to hospital births, which included factors beyond just the availability of medical equipment. Educationally, understanding the historical evolution of maternity care is crucial for healthcare professionals working in maternal and child health. It provides insights into how practices have changed over time, the factors influencing these changes, and the impact on maternal and infant health outcomes. By studying the past, healthcare providers can better appreciate the advancements made in maternity care and continue to improve care practices for the well-being of mothers and infants.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of maternal and child health, the correct answer is C) Assisting a patient to the bathroom for the first time after birth. This task can be safely delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) as it involves helping the patient with a basic activity of daily living that does not require specialized nursing knowledge or assessment skills. Option A) Teaching the patient about breast care involves providing education and requires a nursing assessment to tailor the teaching to the individual patient's needs. This task should be performed by a registered nurse. Option B) Assessment of a patient's lochia and perineal area requires clinical judgement, knowledge of normal vs. abnormal findings, and the ability to recognize signs of complications. This task is within the scope of nursing practice and should not be delegated to UAP. Option D) Taking vital signs on a postpartum patient who delivered the night before involves monitoring for potential complications such as postpartum hemorrhage or infection, which require nursing assessment and intervention. This task should be performed by a registered nurse to ensure timely and appropriate care for the patient. Educationally, understanding the principles of delegation in nursing is crucial for ensuring safe and effective patient care. Nurses need to be able to differentiate tasks that can be delegated from those that require their specialized knowledge and skills to provide competent care to maternal and child health populations.