Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 87
An experienced LPN, under the supervision of the team leader RN, is providing nursing care for a patient with a respiratory problem. Which actions are appropriate to the scope of practice of an experienced LPN? Select all that apply.
A. Auscultate breath sounds
B. Administer medications via metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
C. Complete in-depth admission assessment
D. Initiate the nursing care plan
E. Evaluate the patient's technique for using MDI's
Correct Answers: A and B.
Appropriate decisions relating to the successful assignment of care are accurately based on the needs of the patient, the skills of the staff, the staffs’ position description or job descriptions, the employing facility’s policies and procedures, and legal aspects of care such as the states’ legal scopes of practice for nurses, nursing assistants and other members of the nursing team.
Option A: The experienced LPN is capable of gathering data and making observations, including noting breath sounds and performing pulse oximetry. The scope of practice for the licensed practical or vocational nurse will most likely include the legal ability of this nurse to perform data collection, plan, implement, and evaluate care under the direct supervision and guidance of the registered nurse.
Option B: Administering medications, such as those delivered via MDIs, is within the scope of practice of the LPN. Based on the basic entry educational preparation differences among these members of the nursing team, care should be assigned according to the level of education of the particular team member.
Option C: Scopes of practice should be considered prior to the assignment of care. All states have scopes of practice for advanced nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and unlicensed assistive personnel like nursing assistants and patient care technicians.
Option D: The staff members’ levels of education, knowledge, past experiences, skills, abilities, and competencies are also evaluated and matched with the needs of all of the patients in the group of patients that will be cared for. Some staff members may possess greater expertise than others.
Option E: Independently completing the admission assessment, initiating the nursing care plan, and evaluating a patient’s abilities require additional education and skills. These actions are within the scope of practice of the professional RN.