Dependent interventions are completed by a nurse under what conditions?

• A. Physician orders or protocols
• B. Without any order
• C. Based on patient request only
• D. Only in emergencies

Answer: (A)

Dependent interventions are actions the nurse carries out only when there is explicit authorization from a provider or a formal protocol guiding the action. In practice, that means you perform the intervention only if there’s a physician’s order or a standing hospital protocol that specifies what to do, the correct dose or settings, timing, and any required monitoring. This ensures safety and accountability around actions like administering prescribed medications or initiating treatments. Doing something without an order or protocol isn’t appropriate, even if the patient requests it. Emergencies may involve specific protocols, but the general rule is that dependent interventions rely on an order or protocol.