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Difficulty: MediumClient Care Assignments and Collaboration

During a shift on a medical-surgical unit, a practical nurse (PN) is reviewing assigned tasks and daily care activities. Which of the following actions represent safe and appropriate practice by the PN? Select all that apply.

  1. A
    Formulating the initial nursing care plan for a newly admitted client with exacerbation of heart failure.
  2. Inserting a straight urinary catheter for a client experiencing acute urinary retention.Answer
  3. C
    Explaining the risks and alternatives of a surgical procedure to a client prior to obtaining their signature on the consent form.
  4. Reinforcing previous education on incentive spirometry for a client recovering from pneumonia.Answer
  5. E
    Discussing a client's upcoming discharge needs with a physical therapist while waiting in the hospital cafeteria line.
  6. Administering a scheduled oral analgesic to a client 2 days post-appendectomy.Answer

Answer

The safe and appropriate actions for the practical nurse (PN) include inserting a straight urinary catheter, reinforcing previous education on incentive spirometry, and administering a scheduled oral analgesic.
The practical nurse (PN) scope of practice encompasses performing standard, predictable procedures (such as urinary catheterization), reinforcing teaching that was initially provided by a registered nurse (RN), and administering routine medications (such as oral analgesics) to stable clients.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate each task against the legal scope of practice for a practical nurse (PN).
Identify that reinforcing education, administering routine oral medications, and performing standard sterile procedures (like catheterization) are appropriate.
PNs are authorized to collect data, implement established care plans, and perform standard interventions on stable clients.
2
Identify tasks that require registered nurse (RN) or provider-level responsibilities.
Determine that initial care plan formulation and explaining surgical risks are outside the PN scope.
Initial assessment, independent care planning, and obtaining primary informed consent demand advanced clinical judgment or provider authority.
3
Review the remaining scenarios for adherence to general safety and confidentiality regulations.
Recognize that discussing client information in the cafeteria is inappropriate.
Healthcare professionals must protect client confidentiality by only discussing care in private, designated clinical areas.

Key Concept

Practical Nurse Scope of Practice, Delegation, and Confidentiality
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

Client Care Assignments and Collaboration

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