A healthcare team on a medical-surgical unit is coordinating care for a group of clients. Based on the principles of delegation, legal scope of practice, and interprofessional collaboration, match each clinical task with the most appropriate team member to perform it.
- Formulating the initial plan of care and identifying priority nursing diagnoses for a newly admitted client.Registered Nurse (RN)
- Auscultating lung sounds to gather focused clinical data on a stable client with a history of chronic asthma.Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/VN)
- Emptying, measuring, and documenting the drainage volume from a client's Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain.Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)
- Conducting a comprehensive swallowing evaluation to recommend the safest diet consistency.Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Answer
The RN formulates the initial care plan; the LPN/VN auscultates lung sounds for focused data collection; the UAP empties and records the JP drain volume; and the Speech-Language Pathologist performs the swallowing evaluation.
Delegation and interprofessional collaboration require a thorough understanding of each team member's scope of practice. The RN is solely responsible for comprehensive assessments and the formulation of the nursing care plan. The LPN/VN is legally permitted to gather focused data, such as auscultating lung sounds on a stable client, to report to the RN. The UAP is trained to perform routine, standard procedures that do not require nursing judgment, such as emptying a surgical drain and recording output. Finally, complex evaluations of swallowing function to prevent aspiration are within the specialized scope of the Speech-Language Pathologist.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Delegation and interprofessional collaboration require matching client needs with the specific legal scope of practice and documented competencies of each team member (RN, LPN/VN, UAP, and specialists).
Estimated Time:1m 30s