Which of the following is NOT typically included in nurse-initiated interventions?

• A. Monitor health status
• B. Reduce risks
• C. Administer an antibiotic without a physician order
• D. Promote independence with ADLs

Answer: (C)

Nurse-initiated interventions are actions a nurse can start on their own, within their scope of practice and institutional policies, to support the patient between assessments and physician orders. These typically include activities like monitoring health status to detect changes, taking steps to reduce risks (such as fall prevention, infection control measures, and safety checks), and promoting independence with activities of daily living to support rehabilitation and self-care.

Administering an antibiotic without a physician order is not an independent nursing action. Antibiotics are prescription medications that require a clinician’s order because they have specific indications, dosing, potential side effects, and interactions that must be carefully chosen for the patient. Without an order (or an established standing protocol approved by the facility and medical staff), giving an antibiotic would exceed the nurse’s independent scope.

So, the actions that fit nurse-initiated care include monitoring health status, reducing risks, and promoting independence with ADLs. Administering an antibiotic without an order does not fit this category.