Which of the following is the best guarantee that the patient’s priority needs are met?
A. Checking with the relative of the patient.
B. Preparing a nursing care plan in collaboration with the patient.
C. Consulting with the physician.
D. Coordinating with other members of the team.
Correct Answer: B. Preparing a nursing care plan in collaboration with the patient.
The best source of information about the priority needs of the patient is the patient himself. Hence using a nursing care plan based on his expressed priority needs would ensure meeting his needs effectively. It is about understanding each patient’s health outcome goals and health care preferences and ensuring that the care provided is in line with those goals.
Option A: Checking with the relative of the patient would not yield actual needs for the patient. Asking the patient himself would be an assurance that what he deems as the priority would be addressed.
Option C: Consulting or collaborating with the physician should occur after the implementation of independent nursing interventions. A nursing care plan includes independent, dependent, and collaborative nursing interventions specific to every client’s needs.
Option D: Collaborating may come after consultation with a physician. Collaboration may include teams from the laboratory services, radiological department, and other departments involved in the care of the patient.