A practical nurse (PN) receives a list of delegated tasks from the charge nurse on a general medical unit. Which of the following tasks should the PN accept as appropriate for their legal scope of practice?
- Administering scheduled enteral feedings and reinforcing dietary education for a client with a stable gastrostomy tube.Answer
- BCompleting the comprehensive admission assessment and formulating the initial care plan for a client transferred from the emergency department.
- CExplaining the surgical risks and alternative treatment options to a client before asking them to sign an operative consent form.
- DProviding a detailed clinical update regarding a client's condition to visiting family members in the unit waiting room.
Answer
The correct assignment is administering scheduled enteral feedings and reinforcing dietary education for a client with a stable gastrostomy tube.
The practical nurse (PN) scope of practice includes performing established, routine procedures on stable clients, such as administering enteral feedings. Additionally, while the registered nurse (RN) is responsible for initial client education, the PN is authorized to reinforce that previously taught information.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Practical Nurse Scope of Practice and Safe Delegation