A nurse is consulting with a physical therapist for a client who has chronic low back pain. Which of the following statements by the physical therapist is an example of a collaborative intervention?

Choice A reason:

Teaching the client some exercises to strengthen the core muscles and improve posture is an example of an independent intervention, not a collaborative one. An independent intervention is one that the physical therapist can perform without consulting or coordinating with other members of the health care team.

Choice B reason:

Applying heat therapy to the client's back for 15 minutes before starting the exercises is also an example of an independent intervention, not a collaborative one. Heat therapy is a modality that the physical therapist can use to reduce pain and stiffness, and prepare the client for exercise.

Choice C reason:

Documenting the client's progress and response to the exercises in the medical record is an example of a professional responsibility, not a collaborative intervention. Documentation is essential for communication, quality improvement, and legal purposes, but it does not involve working with other health care providers.

Choice D reason:

Coordinating with the nurse to schedule the exercises after the client receives analgesics is an example of a collaborative intervention. A collaborative intervention is one that requires consultation or coordination with other members of the health care team to achieve a common goal. In this case, the physical therapist and the nurse work together to ensure that the client has adequate pain relief before engaging in exercise, which can improve the client's comfort and compliance.

Choice A reason:

Checking the pain level and location before and after giving the medication is an example of an independent intervention because it is within the nurse's scope of practice and does not require a provider's order. It is also part of the nursing process to assess the patient's pain and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Choice B reason:

Flushing the IV line with normal saline before and after giving the medication is not an independent intervention because it is a dependent intervention that requires a provider's order. It is also a standard procedure for administering IV medications to prevent occlusion and contamination of the IV line.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring the vital signs and level of consciousness every 15 minutes after giving the medication is not an independent intervention because it is a dependent intervention that requires a provider's order. It is also a safety measure to detect any adverse effects of the medication, such as respiratory depression, hypotension, or sedation.

Choice D reason:

Asking the physician to order naloxone in case of an adverse reaction to the medication is not an independent intervention because it is a collaborative intervention that involves consultation with another health care professional. It is also a precautionary measure to have an opioid antagonist available in case of overdose or severe respiratory depression.