Final answer:
The nursing action of scheduling to turn a patient every two hours to prevent skin breakdown is considered an independent nursing action, which is initiated by a registered nurse based on their knowledge and assessment of patient needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of nursing action described, where the nurse plans a schedule of turning the patient every two hours to prevent skin breakdown, is considered an independent nursing action. Independent nursing actions are those that the registered nurse is licensed to initiate as a result of their professional nursing knowledge and skills. These actions do not require a physician's order or the direct supervision of another healthcare provider. They are driven by the nurse's assessment of patient needs and are major components of the nurse’s role, particularly in critical care settings where close monitoring and frequent reassessment of patient conditions are essential. Under an independent nursing action, a nurse may carry out tasks such as turning the patient to prevent pressure ulcers, adjusting the head of the bed to facilitate breathing or prevent aspiration, providing patient education, and taking necessary precautions to ensure patient safety. These actions are based on nursing knowledge, standards of care, and ethical guidelines.