A nurse is teaching an in-service about the safe use of equipment to a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements made by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

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.

Rationale:
A. While healthcare personnel should have baseline tuberculosis (TB) screening, it is not the nurse’s responsibility to ensure staff undergo testing at the time of admitting a client. This is part of occupational health protocols.

B. Placing a sign on the door with the diagnosis is not appropriate because it violates client confidentiality. Instead, isolation precautions should be followed without publicly disclosing the diagnosis.

C. Informing household members directly about their need for treatment is outside the nurse’s scope of practice. Public health authorities handle contact tracing and notification to ensure confidentiality and proper follow-up.

D. Notifying the public health department is the correct action. TB is a reportable communicable disease, and public health authorities are responsible for monitoring, controlling the spread of infection, and coordinating contact investigation and treatment.