Question

Difficulty: MediumClient Care Assignments and Collaboration

Match each clinical task with the interprofessional team member who is most appropriate and legally permitted to perform it.

  • Completing the initial comprehensive physical assessment for a newly admitted clientRegistered Nurse (RN)
  • Reinforcing dietary education for a client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetesLicensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/VN)
  • Documenting the total shift oral intake and urine output for a stable clientAssistive Personnel (AP)
  • Explaining the surgical risks and benefits to a client prior to obtaining informed consentHealth Care Provider (HCP)

Answer

Initial assessment matches to the RN. Reinforcing education matches to the LPN/VN. Documenting intake and output matches to the AP. Explaining surgical risks matches to the HCP.
Each task must be matched to the legally defined scope of practice. The RN completes initial comprehensive assessments; the LPN/VN reinforces established teaching; the AP performs routine data collection like intake/output; and the HCP explains procedures for informed consent.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the requirement for initial comprehensive assessment.
This task must be assigned to the Registered Nurse.
Initial assessments and the creation of care plans require advanced nursing judgment.
2
Determine the appropriate scope for reinforcing education.
This task aligns with the scope of the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse.
LPNs/VNs may reinforce teaching originally provided by the RN for stable clients.
3
Identify the team member for routine documentation of intake and output.
This is safely delegated to Assistive Personnel.
Measuring intake and output is a routine, standard task with predictable outcomes.
4
Determine who is responsible for explaining surgical risks for informed consent.
This is the exclusive responsibility of the Health Care Provider.
Only the practitioner performing the procedure can explain its specific risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Key Concept

Delegation and Scope of Practice within the Interprofessional Team
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