A nurse is collaborating and communicating with other health care providers when implementing care for a client who has chronic heart failure. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates this skill?

Choice A reason:

The PES format (problem, etiology, signs and symptoms) is the most comprehensive and accurate way to write a nursing diagnostic statement. It identifies the nursing problem, the cause or contributing factors, and the evidence or manifestations of the problem. For example, a possible PES statement for the client with COPD and shortness of breath and fatigue with minimal exertion is: Ineffective breathing pattern related to chronic airway obstruction as evidenced by dyspnea, tachypnea, and use of accessory muscles.

Choice B reason:

The PE format (problem, etiology) is a two-part diagnostic statement that omits the signs and symptoms of the problem. It is less specific and does not provide enough information to guide the nursing interventions and outcomes. For example, a possible PE statement for the client with COPD and shortness of breath and fatigue with minimal exertion is: Ineffective breathing pattern related to chronic airway obstruction. This statement does not indicate how the problem is manifested or measured.

Choice C reason:

The PS format (problem, signs and symptoms) is a two-part diagnostic statement that omits the etiology or cause of the problem. It is less precise and does not identify the factors that contribute to or influence the problem. For example, a possible PS statement for the client with COPD and shortness of breath and fatigue with minimal exertion is: Ineffective breathing pattern as evidenced by dyspnea, tachypnea, and use of accessory muscles. This statement does not indicate why the problem exists or what can be done to address it.

Choice D reason:

The ES format (etiology, signs and symptoms) is a two-part diagnostic statement that omits the problem or nursing diagnosis. It is incomplete and does not state what the actual or potential health issue is. For example, a possible ES statement for the client with COPD and shortness of breath and fatigue with minimal exertion is: Chronic airway obstruction as evidenced by dyspnea, tachypnea, and use of accessory muscles. This statement does not indicate what the nursing problem is or what the desired outcome is.

Choice A reason:

The nurse reports any changes in the client's vital signs, weight, or fluid status to the primary provider. This action demonstrates the skill of collaborating and communicating with other health care providers because it involves sharing relevant and timely information about the client's condition and needs with the primary provider, who can then make appropriate decisions or adjustments to the plan of care. Reporting changes in vital signs, weight, or fluid status is especially important for a client who has chronic heart failure, as these indicators can reflect worsening or improving cardiac function. Reporting changes also follows the ISBARR format of communication, which is a standardized method of exchanging patient information between health care team members.

Choice B reason:

The nurse administers prescribed medications, such as diuretics, beta blockers, and ACE inhibitors. This action does not demonstrate the skill of collaborating and communicating with other health care providers because it is a routine nursing task that does not involve direct interaction or exchange of information with other health care team members. Administering medications is part of the nurse's scope of practice and responsibility, and does not require collaboration or communication with other providers, unless there are questions, concerns, or issues regarding the medication orders.

Choice C reason:

The nurse educates the client about lifestyle modifications, such as sodium restriction, exercise, and smoking cessation. This action does not demonstrate the skill of collaborating and communicating with other health care providers because it is a nursing intervention that focuses on the client's education and self-management, not on the interaction or exchange of information with other health care team members. Educating the client about lifestyle modifications is part of the nurse's role in promoting health and preventing complications, and does not require collaboration or communication with other providers, unless there are discrepancies or inconsistencies in the education materials or messages.

Choice D reason:.

The nurse assesses the client's cardiac function, such as heart sounds, rhythm, and peripheral pulses. This action does not demonstrate the skill of collaborating and communicating with other health care providers because it is a nursing assessment that does not involve direct interaction or exchange of information with other health care team members. Assessing the client's cardiac function is part of the nurse's role in monitoring and evaluating the client's response to treatment, and does not require collaboration or communication with other providers, unless there are abnormal findings that need to be reported or documented.