Following the morning handoff report on a step-down unit, the charge nurse delegates several tasks to a practical nurse (PN). According to the legal scope of practice, which delegated task must the PN decline?
- Administering an intravenous (IV) push dose of a narcotic analgesic for a client reporting acute chest pain.Answer
- BWitnessing a client's signature on a surgical consent form after the operating provider has fully explained the risks and benefits.
- CReinforcing fluid and sodium restriction guidelines with a stable client who previously received initial teaching from the registered nurse.
- DDenying a visiting adult child access to their parent's laboratory results based on the client's explicit privacy request.
Answer
The practical nurse must decline the administration of an intravenous (IV) push dose of a narcotic analgesic for a client with acute chest pain.
The administration of intravenous (IV) push medications, especially high-alert narcotics given for acute, potentially unstable conditions like chest pain, falls outside the legal scope of practice for a practical nurse (PN) in most jurisdictions. This task requires the continuous advanced assessment skills and clinical judgment of a registered nurse (RN) or provider.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Practical Nurse (PN) Scope of Practice and Safe Delegation