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Question

Difficulty: MediumClient Care Assignments and Collaboration

During a midday shift on a cardiac telemetry unit, a practical nurse reviews pending tasks for a group of assigned clients. Which of the following actions should the practical nurse safely and legally perform?

  1. Administering a scheduled dose of oral digoxin to a client with chronic heart failureAnswer
  2. B
    Initiating the primary educational plan for a client newly diagnosed with a myocardial infarction
  3. C
    Describing the potential complications of an upcoming coronary artery bypass graft surgery before the client signs the consent form
  4. D
    Reviewing a client's recent echocardiogram results with a visiting coworker who requested an update on the client's condition

Answer

Administering a scheduled dose of oral digoxin to a client with chronic heart failure
The correct answer involves administering a routine oral medication to a client with a chronic, stable condition. This task requires basic data collection (such as checking the apical pulse) and pharmacological knowledge, which firmly aligns with the established legal scope of practice for a practical nurse.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the task involving medication administration.
Identified as a routine oral medication for a chronic, stable condition.
To determine if the task requires comprehensive assessment (RN role) or basic data collection (PN role).
2
Evaluate the task regarding initiating a primary educational plan.
Identified as out of scope for the practical nurse.
Primary education initiation requires RN-level comprehensive assessment, planning, and evaluation.
3
Assess the task related to explaining surgical complications prior to consent.
Identified as the healthcare provider's responsibility.
Nurses act as witnesses for informed consent but do not explain medical risks or alternative treatments.
4
Review the task involving sharing medical results with a visitor.
Identified as a serious confidentiality violation.
Protected health information cannot be shared with unauthorized individuals without explicit client authorization.

Key Concept

Practical Nurse Scope of Practice and Safe Care Environment
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Topics

Client Care Assignments and Collaboration

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