Preprinted orders used for routine dressing changes are an example of which type of standard nursing intervention?

Preprinted orders used for routine dressing changes are an example of which type of standard nursing intervention?

• A. Standing orders
• B. Protocols
• C. Nursing care plans
• D. Medical orders

Answer: (A)

Standing orders are preprinted instructions that authorize nurses to perform routine, predictable tasks without a new physician’s order each time. For dressing changes, a standing order would specify when to change the dressing, what materials to use, and how to assess the wound, making the care timely and consistent for patients who meet the criteria. This fits the idea of a standard nursing intervention because it standardizes routine, approved actions used across similar cases. Protocols are broader care pathways, nursing care plans are individualized to a patient, and medical orders come from a physician or other prescriber, not preprinted for routine tasks. So, this situation exemplifies standing orders.

Standing orders are preprinted instructions that authorize nurses to perform routine, predictable tasks without a new physician’s order each time. For dressing changes, a standing order would specify when to change the dressing, what materials to use, and how to assess the wound, making the care timely and consistent for patients who meet the criteria. This fits the idea of a standard nursing intervention because it standardizes routine, approved actions used across similar cases. Protocols are broader care pathways, nursing care plans are individualized to a patient, and medical orders come from a physician or other prescriber, not preprinted for routine tasks. So, this situation exemplifies standing orders.