Which question will assist the nurse in identifying and planning culturally sensitive care when admitting a new patient?

Choice A reason: Auscultating breath sounds is within the scope of practice for LPNs. They are trained to perform focused assessments, including listening to lung sounds, and then report abnormal findings to the RN or physician. This helps identify issues such as wheezing, crackles, or diminished breath sounds, which are critical in respiratory infections.

Choice B reason: Administering IV push medications, especially high-risk drugs like Solumedrol, is outside the scope of practice for LPNs in most states. IV push requires advanced knowledge of pharmacodynamics, monitoring for immediate adverse reactions, and rapid intervention skills that fall under RN responsibilities. Allowing LPNs to perform this would pose safety risks and violate the Nurse Practice Act.

Choice C reason: Drawing blood for laboratory tests such as a CBC is within the LPN scope of practice. LPNs are trained in venipuncture and specimen collection, and this task supports diagnostic evaluation of infection by assessing white blood cell counts and other parameters.

Choice D reason: Communicating findings with the physician regarding a client’s x-ray is appropriate for LPNs. They can report objective data and observations to providers, ensuring continuity of care. While they do not interpret x-rays independently, they can relay results and patient status to the physician.

Choice A reason: Wearing gloves to empty a urinal is appropriate infection control practice. Gloves protect the nurse from exposure to urine and potential pathogens.

Choice B reason: Cleansing hands with hand gel before entering a patient room is acceptable for most situations. Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective against many pathogens, though not against C. Diff spores.

Choice C reason: Washing hands with soap and water for only 10 seconds is insufficient. Proper hand hygiene requires at least 20 seconds of scrubbing to effectively remove pathogens. Inadequate handwashing increases infection transmission.

Choice D reason: Wearing artificial nails during patient care increases infection risk because bacteria and fungi can harbor under artificial nails, even with hand hygiene. This practice is prohibited in clinical settings.

Choice E reason: Using hand gel after caring for a patient with C. Diff is ineffective because alcohol-based sanitizers do not kill C. Diff spores. Soap and water must be used to prevent transmission.