Which of the following is an example of a dependent intervention?

• A. Providing a bed bath
• B. Administering Lasix PO daily per physician order
• C. Raising HOB for SOB without order
• D. Documenting the care plan

Answer: (B)

Dependent interventions require an order from a physician or other prescriber. Administering Lasix by mouth daily per physician order clearly fits this, because giving a medication must be based on an explicit prescription that states the drug, dose, route, and schedule. The other actions are typically within a nurse’s independent scope: a bed bath is routine personal care; raising the head of the bed for shortness of breath is a common comfort measure that nurses can perform without a new order; and documenting the care plan is part of the nursing process and record-keeping rather than delivering a treatment.