The nurse notes that a narcotic is to be administered “per epidural ca

The nurse notes that a narcotic is to be administered “per epidural cath.” The nurse; however, does not know how to perform this procedure. Which aspect of the implementation process should be followed?

1. Seek assistance
2. Reassess the client
3. Use interpersonal skills
4. Critical decision making

ANSWER

ANS: 1
If a nurse does not know how to perform a procedure, he or she should seek assistance. Infor-mation about the procedure is obtained from the literature and the agency’s procedure book. All equipment necessary for the procedure is collected. Finally, another nurse who has completed the procedure correctly and safely provides assistance and guidance. Reassessing the client is a par-tial assessment that may focus on one dimension of the client or on one system. Interpersonal skills are used to develop a trusting relationship, express a level of caring, and communicate clearly with the client, family, and health care team. Critical decision making is used when the nurse implements the care plan using the knowledge bases necessary for care planning and then completing the planned interventions most effectively.