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Question

Difficulty: EasyClient Care Assignments and Collaboration

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is prioritizing tasks for the upcoming shift on a medical-surgical unit. Which action is strictly within the LPN's scope of practice and legal responsibilities?

  1. Administering scheduled oral analgesics to a stable client with chronic lower back painAnswer
  2. B
    Completing the initial comprehensive admission assessment for a client newly transferred from the emergency department
  3. C
    Explaining the surgical risks and alternative treatments to a client before they sign an informed consent document
  4. D
    Sharing a client's positive diagnostic test results with the client's visiting coworker to provide reassurance

Answer

Administering scheduled oral analgesics to a stable client with chronic lower back pain is the correct action.
The administration of routine oral medications to a stable client with a chronic condition falls safely and appropriately within the established scope of practice for a licensed practical nurse. This task involves predictable outcomes and does not require complex RN-level clinical judgment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the basic scope of practice and legal boundaries for a licensed practical nurse.
The LPN cares for stable clients with predictable outcomes and safely administers standard therapies, such as oral medications.
Understanding scope of practice ensures safe and legal client care assignments.
2
Evaluate the distractors against LPN limitations regarding assessment, informed consent, and privacy.
Initial assessments, explaining surgical risks, and sharing private health information with unauthorized visitors all violate legal or scope-of-practice boundaries.
These actions either require the advanced judgment of an RN/provider or breach HIPAA regulations.
3
Select the option that reflects safe, routine care within the PN role.
Administering oral pain medication to a client with a chronic, stable condition is the correct choice.
This task does not require advanced initial assessment or complex clinical judgment.

Key Concept

Client Care Assignments and Collaboration
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Topics

Client Care Assignments and Collaboration

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