While navigating a high-acuity shift on a medical-surgical floor, a practical nurse (PN) must make decisions regarding task execution, delegation, and interprofessional collaboration. Which action correctly demonstrates the PN's adherence to safe practice boundaries?
- Requesting the charge registered nurse (RN) to assume care of a client whose condition has rapidly deteriorated and now requires intravenous push medications.Answer
- BAccepting an assignment to independently manage a newly admitted client requiring titration of a continuous vasoactive intravenous infusion.
- CExplaining the surgical risks, benefits, and alternative treatment options to a client before obtaining their signature on a consent form.
- DDocumenting a client's critically low potassium level in the electronic health record without immediately verbally notifying the RN or healthcare provider.
Answer
Requesting the charge registered nurse (RN) to assume care of a client whose condition has rapidly deteriorated and now requires intravenous push medications.
The correct action demonstrates safe practice because the scope of practice for a practical nurse does not include administering intravenous push medications or managing clients who have become hemodynamically unstable. By collaborating with the charge RN to reassign this client, the PN ensures the client receives appropriate care while remaining within legal practice boundaries.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Practical Nurse Scope of Practice and Safe Assignment