A client is admitted with a suspected stroke.
Which healthcare professional should the nurse collaborate with to ensure timely diagnostic tests and interventions?

Choice A rationale
A 5-year-old patient admitted yesterday with pneumonia may require frequent assessments and interventions that are within the scope of practice for an LPN. However, the complexity of care for a newly admitted patient with a potentially unstable condition may be better suited for an RN.
Choice B rationale
A 78-year-old female with osteoporosis who needs assistance performing range of motion exercises and ambulating with a walker can be managed by an LPN. These tasks are within the LPN’s scope of practice and do not require the higher level of assessment and decision-making skills of an RN.
Choice C rationale
A 78-year-old patient newly admitted with congestive heart failure requires complex assessments, monitoring, and interventions that are within the scope of practice for an RN. The RN’s advanced skills and knowledge are necessary to manage the patient’s condition effectively.
Choice D rationale
A 34-year-old patient post knee arthroscopy who requires reinforced crutch walking can be managed by an LPN. These tasks are within the LPN’s scope of practice and do not require the higher level of assessment and decision-making skills of an RN.

Choice A rationale
The route of administration is important, but it is not the only missing element in this prescription.
Choice B rationale
The frequency of administration is missing, which is crucial for ensuring the medication is given at the correct intervals. Without this information, the prescription is incomplete and can lead to medication errors.
Choice C rationale
The patient’s name is essential, but it is not the only missing element in this prescription.
Choice D rationale
The prescriber’s signature is important for validating the prescription, but the frequency of administration is the critical missing element in this context.