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Difficulty: MediumStandard and Transmission-Based Precautions

During the morning huddle on an acute care unit, the charge nurse delegates various tasks to the nursing staff. Which of the following tasks, involving clients with specific infection risks, falls safely within the scope of practice for a practical nurse (PN) and demonstrates correct isolation protocols?

  1. Administering a scheduled enteral tube feeding to a client with a Clostridioides difficile infection while wearing a clean gown and glovesAnswer
  2. B
    Completing the comprehensive admission assessment and establishing the initial care plan for a client with bacterial meningitis
  3. C
    Administering an initial dose of an intravenous push (IVP) antibiotic to a client isolated for a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection
  4. D
    Removing a contaminated isolation gown and gloves in the hallway immediately after exiting the room of a client on contact precautions

Answer

The task that correctly aligns with both the PN's scope of practice and proper infection control protocols is administering a scheduled enteral tube feeding to a client with a Clostridioides difficile infection while wearing a clean gown and gloves.
Administering an enteral tube feeding is an established, predictable skill within the scope of practice for a practical nurse (PN). Furthermore, wearing a gown and gloves directly adheres to the standard contact precautions required when caring for a client with a Clostridioides difficile infection.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the clinical task in each option to determine if it falls within the legal scope of practice for a practical nurse (PN).
Initial comprehensive assessments, care plan formulation, and intravenous push (IVP) medications are typically outside the PN scope, while enteral tube feedings are permissible.
The PN must always practice within legal and facility boundaries to ensure safe client care.
2
Analyze the infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols described in the remaining options.
Removing contaminated PPE in the hallway violates transmission-based precaution standards, whereas wearing a gown and gloves for a client with C. difficile is correct.
Proper PPE selection and doffing location (inside the client's room) are required to contain pathogens and prevent cross-contamination.
3
Identify the option that successfully satisfies the requirements for both scope of practice and infection control.
Administering the tube feeding using contact precautions is the only safe and appropriate action.
It successfully applies both delegation boundaries and correct PPE usage for the specified pathogen.

Key Concept

Practical Nurse Scope of Practice and Transmission-Based Precautions
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Topics

Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

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