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Difficulty: EasyEmergency Response and Hazardous Materials

A local manufacturing plant experiences a chemical spill, and a nearby rehabilitation center prepares to receive evacuated clients. The nursing team collaborates to divide responsibilities safely. Which task is within the legal scope of practice for the practical nurse (PN) to accept during this emergency response?

  1. A
    Completing the primary triage assessment for the incoming evacuees to determine their acuity level.
  2. B
    Designing the initial, comprehensive care plans for clients exposed to the hazardous chemical.
  3. Donning appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform a sterile dressing change on a stable client.Answer
  4. D
    Evaluating the overall effectiveness of the facility's disaster response and emergency protocols.

Answer

The correct task is donning appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform a sterile dressing change on a stable client.
The practical nurse (PN) scope of practice includes performing established, routine procedures on stable clients. Executing a sterile dressing change while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) does not require the advanced clinical judgment of an RN and is perfectly safe and legal for a PN to accept during an emergency influx of clients.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the context of the clinical scenario.
The scenario involves a facility receiving evacuated clients from a chemical spill, requiring the delegation of tasks to a practical nurse (PN).
Understanding the emergency context is necessary, but fundamental scope of practice boundaries apply regardless of the chaotic situation.
2
Evaluate each assigned task against the legal scope of practice for a practical nurse.
Triage assessment, initial care planning, and protocol evaluation require RN-level clinical judgment. Performing a sterile dressing change on a stable client is a routine procedure.
Delegation must strictly adhere to professional licensure boundaries to ensure safe client care, even during disaster surges.
3
Select the task that represents safe and legal delegation for the PN.
The correct action is donning PPE to perform a sterile dressing change.
This task involves a stable client and a standard, established procedure, which are key indicators of an appropriate PN assignment.

Key Concept

Practical Nurse (PN) Scope of Practice in Emergency Response
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Emergency Response and Hazardous Materials

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