Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyClient Care Assignments and Collaboration

During a busy shift on a medical-surgical floor, the registered nurse (RN) delegates several actions to the practical nurse (PN). Which assigned task falls within the legal scope of practice for the PN and is safe to accept?

  1. Reinforcing discharge instructions about wound care for a stable client.Answer
  2. B
    Conducting the admission assessment for a client arriving from the emergency department.
  3. C
    Formulating a new nursing care plan for a client whose respiratory status has just deteriorated.
  4. D
    Administering an intravenous (IV) push analgesic to a client reporting severe incisional pain.

Answer

The task within the practical nurse's scope of practice is reinforcing discharge instructions about wound care for a stable client.
Reinforcing established teaching, such as reviewing wound care instructions with a stable client, is well within the practical nurse's scope of practice. The RN is responsible for providing the initial education, and the PN follows up to reinforce the information and ensure client understanding.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the tasks that require advanced clinical judgment, initial evaluation, or high-risk pharmacological interventions.
Admission assessments, care plan formulation, and IV push medications are identified as strictly RN-level responsibilities.
These tasks involve complex analysis and immediate systemic risks that exceed the foundational scope of practical nursing.
2
Evaluate the remaining tasks for safety and appropriateness within the practical nurse's role.
Reinforcing teaching that was initially provided by the RN or provider for a stable client is determined to be appropriate.
Practical nurses are legally permitted and trained to reinforce established educational plans and care for medically stable clients.

Key Concept

Practical Nurse Scope of Practice in Task Delegation
Estimated Time:45s
Rate this question

Topics

Client Care Assignments and Collaboration

More questions from this topic