Which of the following is considered an independent nursing action?

An independent nursing action refers to a task that a nurse can perform autonomously, without needing a physician’s order or direction from other health care professionals. Providing a backrub is a great example of this because it is a basic nursing intervention aimed at promoting comfort and well-being, which nurses can implement based on their clinical judgment and knowledge of patient care needs.

The rationale for emphasizing this independence is rooted in the nurse’s role in holistic care, where they assess and address patient comfort as part of their responsibilities. While the other options involve valuable actions, they either require collaboration with other disciplines or are guided by specific orders or protocols. For instance, teaching about a new diet involves assessment of the prescription and potentially coordination with dietary staff, thus not fully independent. Assisting a speech therapist is inherently a supportive role, and administering pain medication typically requires a physician's order, thus categorizing those actions under interdependent or directed tasks. In contrast, offering a backrub exemplifies how nurses can utilize their skills and judgment to enhance a patient’s comfort without needing additional direction.