Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can execute higher-level skills under the direction of a registered nurse (RN). These include administering routine medications for expected needs and performing focused assessments such as breath sounds, bowel sounds, and neurovascular checks (eg, pulse, capillary refill, numbness) (Option 2). LPNs can also monitor findings such as flow rate and drainage in a client receiving continuous bladder irrigation (Option 4). Initial admission or postoperative assessments must be completed by the RN.
(Option 1) Continuous IV drug infusions are managed by the RN. This is especially true with drug categories such as anticoagulants, which will require titration depending on client response.
(Option 3) In this situation, the LPN is not explaining the LPN's own care to the family, but rather that provided by others on a different shift. Issues related to unit management should be handled by the charge RN.
(Option 5) Initial teaching should be performed by the RN. The LPN can reinforce the RN's initial teaching.
Educational objective: Under the direction of a registered nurse (RN), the licensed practical nurse can perform higher-level skills within the scope of practice defined by the state. Appropriate tasks include administering routine medications for expected needs, monitoring RN findings, and performing focused assessments (eg, breath sounds, bowel sounds, neurovascular status).
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can execute higher-level skills under the direction of a registered nurse (RN). These include administering routine medications for expected needs and performing focused assessments such as breath sounds, bowel sounds, and neurovascular checks (eg, pulse, capillary refill, numbness) (Option 2). LPNs can also monitor findings such as flow rate and drainage in a client receiving continuous bladder irrigation (Option 4). Initial admission or postoperative assessments must be completed by the RN.
(Option 1) Continuous IV drug infusions are managed by the RN. This is especially true with drug categories such as anticoagulants, which will require titration depending on client response.
(Option 3) In this situation, the LPN is not explaining the LPN's own care to the family, but rather that provided by others on a different shift. Issues related to unit management should be handled by the charge RN.
(Option 5) Initial teaching should be performed by the RN. The LPN can reinforce the RN's initial teaching.
Educational objective: Under the direction of a registered nurse (RN), the licensed practical nurse can perform higher-level skills within the scope of practice defined by the state. Appropriate tasks include administering routine medications for expected needs, monitoring RN findings, and performing focused assessments (eg, breath sounds, bowel sounds, neurovascular status).
