Question

Which of the following nursing actions is most likely a result of the nurse's clinical experience?

1. Placing an immobile client on a turning schedule
2. Always assessing a client's IV site before hanging a new bag of fluid
3. Requesting that the nursing assistant have vital signs recorded by 0815
4. Administering a pain medication 30 minutes before changing a burn dressing

Answer 1

Administering pain medication before a dressing change shows clinical experience, as it reflects foresight in pain management and understanding of medication timing.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the given nursing actions, administering a pain medication 30 minutes before changing a burn dressing is most likely a result of the nurse's clinical experience. This action demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the patient's anticipated pain management needs and the timing necessary to ensure the medication's effectiveness during a painful procedure. This insight often comes from prior exposure to similar situations and understanding the pharmacokinetics of pain medications.

Those new to nursing might not anticipate the pain associated with dressing changes or might not be as familiar with the timing necessary for pain medications to take effect. An experienced nurse integrates knowledge from previous patient care encounters to proactively manage pain, which is essential in providing compassionate and effective care.