Final answer:
The proper sequence of actions for a nurse starts with introducing oneself to the patient, followed by possibly elevating the head of the bed, administering oxygen, reviewing items aloud with the team, verifying patient identity, checking the pulse oximeter, assessing airway risks, and reviewing recovery and care concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Order of Actions for a Nurse
When providing care, nurses must follow an appropriate sequence of actions to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. A typical order of operations might be:
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- Introduce yourself to the patient. This helps to build a rapport and trust while also verifying the patient’s identity.
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- Elevate the head of the bed if necessary for the patient’s condition, particularly if respiratory issues are present.
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- Administer oxygen 2 L per minute via nasal cannula, as oxygen therapy can be critical for patients with respiratory compromise.
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- Review all pertinent items aloud with the medical team, including the name of the procedure, counts of medical items, specimen labeling, and equipment issues.
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- Confirm that the patient has verified their identity, the surgical site and procedure, and consent, ensuring that the surgical site is marked if necessary.
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- Make sure the pulse oximeter is on the patient and functioning, and that all allergies are known to the team.
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- Assess the patient's airway and risk of aspiration, making sure appropriate equipment and assistance are ready.
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- With the surgeon and anesthesiologist, review aloud key concerns for the patient's recovery and care after the procedure.
In situations where central intravenous lines are being inserted, following a checklist, such as the one proposed by Dr. Pronovost in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.