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Question

Difficulty: MediumClient Care Assignments and Collaboration

A licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN) is providing care alongside a registered nurse (RN) and an assistive personnel (AP) for a client recovering from a total knee arthroplasty. Which action by the LPN/VN represents appropriate care assignment and collaboration?

  1. Administering a scheduled oral muscle relaxant before the AP assists the client with repositioningAnswer
  2. B
    Providing the initial education regarding surgical risks before asking the client to sign a consent form for a blood transfusion
  3. C
    Accepting the RN's request to administer a prescribed intravenous (IV) push analgesic for sudden, severe incisional pain
  4. D
    Answering questions about the client's surgical outcome from a concerned coworker who is not assigned to the client

Answer

Administering a scheduled oral muscle relaxant before the AP assists the client with repositioning
The administration of scheduled oral medications is a standard, safe task within the LPN/VN scope of practice. Coordinating this intervention prior to the AP assisting with physical movement demonstrates excellent clinical judgment and interprofessional collaboration, as it proactively promotes client comfort and safety during mobility tasks.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the role and authorized tasks of the LPN/VN.
The LPN/VN is authorized to administer routine oral medications, care for stable clients, and collaborate with the AP for basic care tasks.
Understanding the foundational boundaries of the LPN/VN scope of practice is required to identify the correct clinical action.
2
Evaluate the collaborative aspect of the correct task.
Providing pain or muscle spasm relief prior to physical manipulation by the AP ensures the client can tolerate the movement.
Effective interprofessional collaboration involves anticipating client needs and coordinating care timing between team members.
3
Rule out actions that violate legal boundaries or safety standards.
Initial education for informed consent, IV push administration for acute changes, and sharing information with unassigned staff are all violations of LPN/VN scope or ethical standards.
Delegation and task acceptance must strictly adhere to the NCSBN guidelines, state practice acts, and HIPAA regulations.

Key Concept

LPN/VN Scope of Practice and Interprofessional Collaboration
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Topics

Client Care Assignments and Collaboration

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