An interprofessional care team is managing a group of clients on a medical-surgical neurology unit. A licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN) must prioritize tasks, understand role boundaries, and recognize when to escalate care. Which action by the LPN/VN demonstrates adherence to the legal scope of practice and safe care principles?
- AAdministering a prescribed intravenous (IV) push dose of a strong antihypertensive medication to quickly lower the blood pressure of a client in hypertensive crisis.
- BClarifying the specific medical risks and potential neurological complications of a scheduled craniotomy when the client expresses hesitation prior to signing the consent form.
- Administering a scheduled oral antiepileptic medication to a client with a history of seizures, while notifying the registered nurse (RN) to evaluate a different client exhibiting sudden, unilateral facial drooping.Answer
- DPrioritizing the completion of interfacility transfer documentation for a stable client over immediately responding to a continuous pulse oximeter alarm sounding in the adjacent room.
Answer
The action of administering a scheduled oral medication while escalating the assessment of a client with sudden facial drooping to the RN demonstrates correct scope of practice.
The licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN) correctly operates within their scope by administering routine oral medications to a stable client with a chronic condition. Concurrently, the LPN/VN demonstrates safe practice by recognizing that sudden, unilateral facial drooping is an unstable, potentially life-threatening sign (possible stroke) that requires immediate escalation to the registered nurse (RN) for a comprehensive clinical assessment.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Delegation, Scope of Practice, and Interprofessional Boundaries