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

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of maternal and reproductive health clients, teaching the patient perineal care is an independent function of the professional nurse because it involves providing essential education to the patient regarding self-care practices. This intervention empowers the patient to take an active role in their own health management, promoting better outcomes and preventing complications. Administering oral analgesics, requesting diagnostic studies, and providing wound care to a surgical incision are all important nursing interventions, but they typically require a healthcare provider's order or prescription. These actions involve a level of decision-making that goes beyond the independent scope of practice for a nurse. In an educational context, understanding the distinction between independent nursing functions and actions that require provider authorization is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care. Nurses must be able to recognize when they can autonomously perform interventions based on their scope of practice and when they need to collaborate with other healthcare team members or seek guidance from a provider. This knowledge ensures patient safety and quality care delivery in maternal and reproductive health settings.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is option D: Assist to ambulate for 10 minutes at 8 AM, 2 PM, and 6 PM. Rationale: - This intervention promotes maternal well-being by preventing complications like blood clots and enhancing circulation postpartum. - Early ambulation aids in restoring muscle tone, preventing postpartum complications, and promoting overall recovery. - Scheduled ambulation supports a gradual increase in physical activity, which is crucial for postpartum recovery without causing excessive fatigue. Why others are wrong: - Option A (Force fluids as necessary) lacks specificity and may not be appropriate for all maternal clients, as individual fluid needs vary. - Option B (Observe interaction with the infant) is important but not as immediate or crucial for promoting physical recovery postpartum as ambulation. - Option C (Encourage turning, coughing, and deep breathing) is a general nursing intervention but does not specifically address the need for physical activity and mobilization post-delivery. Educational context: Understanding the importance of early ambulation postpartum is vital for nursing students caring for maternal and reproductive health clients. This intervention helps prevent complications, promotes physical recovery, and enhances overall well-being. By implementing scheduled ambulation, nurses can support maternal clients in their postpartum recovery journey effectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is option D) Patient will state that pain is a 2 on a scale of 10, 1 hour after the administration of the prescribed analgesic. This expected outcome is appropriate because it reflects a realistic and specific goal for pain management after a vaginal birth. The goal of pain management is to reduce pain to a manageable level, typically around 2 on a scale of 10, which allows the patient to function while still experiencing some discomfort. Option A is incorrect because it sets the goal too low and does not aim for adequate pain relief. Option B is incorrect because it focuses solely on the administration of analgesics without specifying the desired pain level. Option C is incorrect because it assumes complete pain relief within a specific time frame, which may not be realistic or achievable for all patients. In an educational context, understanding how to set appropriate and realistic expected outcomes is crucial for nurses to provide effective care and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals helps guide patient care and promotes optimal outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Neonatal nurse practitioners provide emergency care in the post-birth setting to high-risk infants. This statement accurately reflects the role of neonatal nurse practitioners who are advanced practice nurses specializing in providing care to newborns, especially those who are high-risk or require specialized medical attention after birth. Option A is incorrect because family nurse practitioners typically focus on primary care across the lifespan and do not primarily assist with childbirth care in the hospital setting. Option B is incorrect as clinical nurse specialists typically provide expert clinical practice, education, research, and leadership in a specialized area of nursing practice, but they do not typically provide primary care to obstetric patients. Option D is incorrect because a certified nurse midwife (CNM) is indeed considered an advanced practice nurse who specializes in providing care to women throughout their reproductive lifespan, including prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care. CNMs are trained to provide a wide range of women's health services and are integral members of the healthcare team in maternal and reproductive health settings. Understanding the advanced roles of nursing in maternal and reproductive health is crucial for nursing students and healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate care and support for individuals during these critical life stages. This knowledge helps optimize outcomes for both mothers and newborns and highlights the diverse contributions that advanced practice nurses make in specialized areas of healthcare.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) There is increased job satisfaction of nurses, with a lower staff turnover rate. This indicator aligns with Magnet status, as one of the key criteria for this certification is creating a positive work environment that fosters professional growth and satisfaction among nursing staff. A lower turnover rate indicates that nurses are content with their job, which is a significant aspect of Magnet recognition. Option A is incorrect because while communication is important, the focus of Magnet status is on empowering nurses and creating a positive work environment rather than communication stratification. Option C is incorrect as physician certification is not a direct indicator of Magnet status, which primarily focuses on nursing excellence. Option D is also incorrect as while having baccalaureate degrees and certifications is beneficial, it is not a mandatory requirement for Magnet recognition. Educationally, understanding the criteria for Magnet status is crucial for nurses and healthcare organizations to strive for excellence in nursing practice. It underscores the importance of creating a supportive and satisfying work environment that ultimately leads to better patient outcomes and overall organizational success.