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.
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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This action exemplifies nursing advocacy. Ensuring that a client has given informed consent means that the nurse is making sure the patient understands their treatment options, the risks involved, and the potential benefits.
B. While sharing experiences can be helpful, influencing a client’s decision based on the nurse's own experiences can compromise the client’s autonomy. Advocacy means supporting the patient in making their own informed choices rather than directing them toward a specific decision.
C. Discussing a client’s medical treatment with someone who is not part of the healthcare team or not authorized to receive that information violates patient confidentiality and privacy rights. Advocacy includes respecting the client’s right to privacy and not disclosing information without consent.
D. While nurses can provide education and information about treatment options, recommending specific surgical or treatment options is generally outside the scope of nursing practice. Advocacy involves helping clients understand their options and supporting them in their decisions, not directing them toward specific interventions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While LPNs can perform some assessments, the charge nurse should assign this task to an RN. Assessing hydration status requires critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the client's overall clinical condition, which typically falls within the RN’s scope of practice.
B. Administering medications, including antibiotics like metronidazole, is within the scope of practice for LPNs. As long as the LPN is competent in administering medications and there are no specific contraindications for the client, this task can be appropriately assigned.
C. This task involves critical thinking and comprehensive analysis of the client's medical history, which is typically conducted by an RN. While LPNs may review aspects of the medical history, the charge nurse should assign more complex evaluations and assessments to RNs.
D. While LPNs can provide some patient education, explaining the rationale behind specific tests, especially in the context of complex infections, typically requires the knowledge and expertise of an RN. This task may involve more detailed clinical reasoning and the ability to address specific questions and concerns that the client or family may have.
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