What are dependent nursing actions?
Dependent nursing actions refer to tasks or procedures that nurses carry out under the direct supervision and guidance of a physician or other healthcare professional. In these actions, nurses do not have the authority or autonomy to make independent judgments or decisions, and they must strictly adhere to the instructions provided by the supervising healthcare provider.
Examples of dependent nursing actions may include:
1. Administering Medications: Nurses administer medications prescribed by a healthcare provider. This may involve giving oral medications, injections, or administering medications through intravenous drips or other routes, as directed by the healthcare provider.
2. Wound Care: Nurses perform wound care procedures based on the instructions and guidelines set by the supervising physician. This may involve cleaning wounds, applying dressings, and monitoring wound healing progress.
3. Monitoring Vital Signs: Nurses routinely monitor and document patients' vital signs, including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. These readings are then reported to the responsible healthcare provider.
4. Providing Hygiene Care: Nurses assist patients with personal hygiene tasks, such as bathing, brushing their teeth, and toileting, following the healthcare provider's instructions regarding specific care needs or precautions.
5. Educating Patients: Depending on the instructions provided by the supervising healthcare professional, nurses may provide basic patient education regarding their medications, treatments, and specific aspects of self-care.
6. Reporting Observations and Changes: Nurses report any significant changes or deviations from the norm that they observe in a patient's condition or vital signs to the supervising healthcare provider. This allows the provider to make informed decisions and take any necessary actions.
It's important to note that dependent nursing actions are not to be confused with delegated nursing actions, in which nurses have the authority to make judgments or decisions within their designated scope of practice without needing direct supervision (although they may still require consultation or collaboration in certain situations).