Dependant Nursing Action

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On my care plans I have to list 2 assessments, 2 independant nursing actions, and 2 dependant nursing actions.

I am working with an 84 yo woman who is incontinent, has demtia, non ambulatory, and has a history of pressure sores. So my diagnosis is risk for impaired skin integrity related to immobility. I already have my 2 assessments and actions, but im having trouble find some "dependant" nursing actions. Any ideas or places I could go to look? Im thinking requesting some kind of support surface because that would require a doctors order. Im drawing a blank for anything else and I dont know where to look. Thanks in advance!

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Just realized I spelled "independent" wrong. oh well. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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Hi Chris,

For this nursing diagnosis, I would think that a dependent nursing action would be one that the nurse cannot initiate without the physician. So...for impaired skin integrity, perhaps this would be barrier creams, prescription creams/sprays, or special protective dressings that the physician would need to order? This varies depending on the facility, but maybe that gives you an idea.

Best wishes :)

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Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg.

How about the use of a foley since she is incontinent?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Here are a few dependent nursing actions that pertain to your nursing diagnosis (ones that you cannot perform without the order of a physician):

1. Apply Bordeaux Butt Paste topically to buttocks and perineal region PRN after each incontinent episode.

2. Administer Vitamin C 500mg p.o. BID to promote skin integrity.

3. Apply Zinc Oxide cream topically to areas of bony prominence (elbows, sacral region, heels, vertebral processes of the back).

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