Nurse Pocket Guide: Prioritized Interventions and Rationales for Common Diagnoses

Nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing direct patient care and managing complex medical conditions. To ensure optimal patient outcomes, nurses must possess a deep understanding of common diagnoses and their associated interventions. This nurse pocket guide aims to provide nurses with a concise and evidence-based reference for prioritizing and implementing interventions for various diagnoses.

Nurse's Pocket Guide Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions, and Rationales (Nurses Pocket Guide)

by Ashild Kolas

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18231 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	1312 pages

FREE

Prioritizing Nursing Interventions

Prioritizing nursing interventions involves selecting and ordering actions based on their importance and urgency. The following factors should be considered when prioritizing interventions:

• Patient's immediate needs and stability
• Potential for complications
• Patient's preferences and values
• Available resources

Common Diagnoses and Prioritized Interventions

This section presents prioritized interventions and rationales for some of the most common diagnoses encountered in nursing practice:

1. Risk for Infection

1. Priority Intervention: Implement standard precautions
2. Rationale: Prevents the spread of microorganisms and reduces the risk of infection.
3. Priority Intervention: Monitor vital signs
4. Rationale: Early detection of sepsis or other complications.
5. Priority Intervention: Educate patient on infection prevention measures
6. Rationale: Empowers patients to take an active role in their care and reduce the risk of infection.

2. Impaired Gas Exchange

1. Priority Intervention: Administer oxygen as prescribed
2. Rationale: Improves oxygenation and reduces respiratory distress.
3. Priority Intervention: Monitor respiratory rate and depth
4. Rationale: Detects respiratory compromise and facilitates early intervention.
5. Priority Intervention: Position patient for optimal breathing
6. Rationale: Maximizes lung expansion and improves ventilation.

3. Acute Pain

1. Priority Intervention: Administer pain medication as prescribed
2. Rationale: Relieves pain and promotes comfort.
3. Priority Intervention: Assess pain level and characteristics
4. Rationale: Determines the severity and nature of pain, guiding treatment decisions.
5. Priority Intervention: Implement non-pharmacological pain management techniques (e.g., distraction, relaxation)
6. Rationale: Complements pharmacological pain relief and minimizes adverse medication effects.

4. Constipation

1. Priority Intervention: Encourage adequate fluid intake
2. Rationale: Softened stools and eases bowel movements.
3. Priority Intervention: Promote increased physical activity
4. Rationale: Stimulates gut motility and facilitates bowel evacuation.
5. Priority Intervention: Administer laxatives as prescribed
6. Rationale: Stimulates bowel movements and relieves constipation.

5. Diabetes Management

1. Priority Intervention: Monitor blood glucose levels
2. Rationale: Ensures optimal blood glucose control and prevents complications.
3. Priority Intervention: Educate patient on diabetes management and lifestyle modifications
4. Rationale: Empowers patients to manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications.
5. Priority Intervention: Collaborate with other healthcare professionals (e.g., dietitian, endocrinologist)
6. Rationale: Provides comprehensive care and optimizes diabetes management.

This nurse pocket guide provides a comprehensive resource for prioritizing interventions and understanding the rationales behind them for common nursing diagnoses. By utilizing the information presented here, nurses can deliver evidence-based care that improves patient outcomes and promotes optimal health.

Nurse's Pocket Guide Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions, and Rationales (Nurses Pocket Guide)

by Ashild Kolas

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18231 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	1312 pages

FREE