Nursing Prioritization Delegation Assignment Q 48
Which intervention for a patient with a pulmonary embolus could be delegated to the LPN on your patient care team?
A. Evaluating the patient's complaint of chest pain.
B. Monitoring laboratory values for changes in oxygenation.
C. Assessing for symptoms of respiratory failure.
D. Auscultating the lungs for crackles.
Correct Answer: D. Auscultating the lungs for crackles.
An LPN who has been trained to auscultate lung sounds can gather data by routine assessment and observation, under the supervision of an RN. 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 A: The scope of practice for the registered nurse will most likely include the legal ability of the registered professional nurse to perform all phases of the nursing process including assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation.
Option B: Part of supervision entails the ongoing evaluation of staff’s ability by the registered nurse to perform assigned tasks using direct observations and with indirect observations of patient safety, the quality of the care provided, the appropriateness of care provided, and the timeliness of care provided.
Option C: Independently evaluating patients, assessing for symptoms of respiratory failure, and monitoring and interpreting laboratory values require additional education and skill, appropriate to the scope of practice of the RN.