At the beginning of a shift in a skilled nursing facility, a practical nurse reviews the client assignments and designated tasks. Which assigned activity falls outside the legal scope of practice and requires the practical nurse to notify the supervising registered nurse?
- Conducting the comprehensive admission assessment for a client transferring from an acute care facilityAnswer
- BReinforcing previously taught infection control measures to the family members of a client
- CServing as a witness to a client's signature on a surgical consent form after the provider's explanation
- DReviewing a client's electronic health record on a secured workstation to prepare for the shift handoff
Answer
Conducting the comprehensive admission assessment for a client transferring from an acute care facility
The correct answer is conducting a comprehensive admission assessment. In the nursing process, comprehensive assessments, initial formulation of the care plan, and complex clinical judgments are strictly within the scope of practice for the registered nurse (RN). The practical nurse (PN) contributes to this process by collecting specific data, monitoring stability, and reporting changes, but the initial comprehensive assessment cannot be delegated to a PN.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Scope of Practice and Delegation