A charge nurse is planning the care of four newborns. An assistive personnel and licensed practical nurse are available for staffing. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to a licensed practical nurse?
Administer a hepatitis B vaccine.
Conduct the newborn hearing screening
Perform a New Ballard screening
Obtain vital signs.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Administering a hepatitis B vaccine is within the scope of practice for an LPN. LPNs are trained and licensed to administer routine injections and vaccines, monitor for immediate adverse reactions, and document administration. This task does not require the higher-level assessment skills of an RN, making it appropriate for delegation. Administering immunizations to newborns is a standard, routine intervention that aligns with an LPN’s responsibilities under RN supervision.
B. Conducting a newborn hearing screening involves specialized assessment techniques and interpretation of results. This task is typically performed by a trained RN, audiologist, or certified hearing screener, as it requires advanced assessment skills and understanding of neonatal hearing protocols. Assigning this to an LPN is inappropriate.
C. Performing a New Ballard assessment (used to determine gestational age) requires advanced neonatal assessment skills, including observation of neuromuscular and physical maturity signs. This is a competency reserved for RNs or clinicians trained in neonatal assessments and is beyond the typical LPN scope of practice.
D. Obtaining vital signs is a basic nursing task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel (AP). APs are competent to measure and record temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, freeing RNs and LPNs to perform tasks that require more skill and clinical judgment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. An occupational therapist (OT) specializes in helping clients perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, eating, and household tasks. The OT can assess the client’s functional abilities, recommend adaptive equipment, and provide strategies to safely complete tasks at home. This makes the OT the most appropriate team member for concerns about ADLs.
B. A social worker assists with psychosocial support, financial concerns, community resources, and discharge planning, but does not provide direct interventions to improve the client’s ability to perform ADLs.
C. A risk manager focuses on safety and compliance issues within the facility, not individual client functional independence at home.
D. A physical therapist (PT) works to improve mobility, strength, balance, and endurance. While PT can indirectly support ADLs through improving mobility, the OT focuses specifically on task performance and adaptation in the client’s environment, making them the priority for ADL concerns.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Scheduling the consultation when the primary nurse can attend ensures effective communication between the care team and the wound care specialist. The nurse can provide accurate, up-to-date information about the client’s condition, treatments, and response to care, which supports continuity and quality of care.
B. Arranging for daily visits by the wound care specialist is not necessary in most cases and could be resource-intensive. Frequency of consultation should be based on the client’s clinical needs rather than a fixed schedule.
C. Providing subjective opinions or beliefs is inappropriate. Consultants require objective, factual information about the client’s condition, such as wound measurements, appearance, and treatment response, to make informed recommendations.
D. Delaying the consultation until after several treatments are tried can risk worsening the pressure injury. Early involvement of a wound care specialist is recommended to promote healing, prevent complications, and optimize outcomes.
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