A registered nurse has been leading teams of nursing assistive personnel (NAP) for several years and will soon be leading licensed practical nurses (LPNs) for the first time. In preparation for delegating to these nurses, the RN should:

ask each LPN what tasks he or she is comfortable performing.

delegate the same tasks to the LPNs that the RN normally delegated to NAPS.

consult a decision tree for delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel.

review the practical nurse scope of practice in the jurisdiction where they are working.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   While it’s important to consider the comfort and competency of the LPNs, this approach alone does not ensure that the tasks delegated are within their legal scope of practice. It’s essential for the RN to also verify that the tasks align with the LPN’s training and legal scope of practice.
B.   LPNs have a different scope of practice compared to nursing assistive personnel (NAP). They are trained to perform more complex tasks and provide a higher level of care than NAPs. Delegating the same tasks would not take advantage of the LPN's training and could lead to issues related to patient safety and quality of care.
C.   While consulting a decision tree can be a useful tool for delegating tasks to NAPs, it does not apply to LPNs. LPNs have a different scope of practice and require a different framework for delegation, as they can perform nursing tasks that are not within the NAP scope.
D.   This is the most appropriate action for the RN. Understanding the legal scope of practice for LPNs in their specific jurisdiction is crucial for safe and effective delegation. It ensures that the RN delegates tasks that LPNs are qualified to perform, thereby promoting patient safety and adhering to legal standards.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

A. This task is appropriate for UAP, as it involves basic hygiene care. UAP can assist with routine oral care
B. Assisting with repositioning is a basic care activity that UAP can perform. This helps prevent pressure ulcers and maintains client comfort, and it does not require advanced clinical skills.
C. Administering IV fluids or medications requires specialized training and knowledge of nursing assessments, potential complications, and monitoring. This task should only be performed by a licensed nurse, not by UAP.
D. UAP can document basic measurements such as urine output. This is a straightforward task that does not require clinical judgment, but the UAP should understand how to accurately measure and record this information.
E. While UAP can observe and report general changes, monitoring for clinical indications of dehydration requires nursing assessment skills and judgment. This task should be performed by an RN, as it involves interpreting signs and symptoms.
F. UAP can weigh clients, but the assessment of weight trends requires clinical judgment and interpretation of data. The RN should evaluate and interpret this information to determine its significance in the client's care.

A. A young adult client admitted for asthma and has track marks that may indicate IV drug abuse B. An emancipated minor who has acute appendicitis and wants to leave the facility without treatment C. A dependent adult admitted for the treatment of a spiral fracture D. A young adult client admitted for acute glomerulonephritis following a viral infection

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While track marks could indicate drug use, this alone does not necessitate a report to an outside agency unless there is evidence of harm to self or others, or if there are suspicions of a substance abuse issue that warrants intervention.

B. Emancipated minors have the legal right to make their own medical decisions, including refusing treatment. In this case, the nurse would ensure the patient is informed of the risks of leaving and document the refusal, but there’s no requirement to disclose to an outside agency.
C. A spiral fracture can be indicative of abuse, particularly if the mechanism of injury is not consistent with the explanation provided. In many jurisdictions, healthcare providers are mandated reporters for suspected abuse or neglect in dependent adults.
D. This situation typically does not involve any legal or ethical obligation to report to outside agencies. Glomerulonephritis is a medical condition and does not indicate any need for disclosure, as it does not suggest abuse or neglect.

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A registered nurse has been leading teams of nursing assistive personnel (NAP) for several years and will soon be leading licensed practical nurses (LPNs) for the first time. In preparation for delegating to these nurses, the RN should:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The care of a client is assigned to a newly-graduated RN. What actions can the newly-graduated RN delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? [SELECT ALL THAT APPLY]

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

A nurse manager is reviewing the admission history of four adults who were admitted to the medical-surgical unit during the shift. Which of the following situations is the nurse required to disclose information to an outside agency about the client or the client's circumstances?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is uncharacteristically extroverted on today's shift, with an unsteady gait. The manager suspects that the nurse may be chemically Impaired. What is the manager's most appropriate action?

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The care of a client is assigned to a newly-graduated RN. What actions can the newly-graduated RN delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? [SELECT ALL THAT APPLY]

What consideration should the nurse-manager prioritize when creating a program to deal with the issue of substance abuse by employees?

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