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Question

Difficulty: MediumClient Care Assignments and Collaboration

A practical nurse (PN) is reviewing daily responsibilities and communicating with the interprofessional team on a step-down unit. Which of the following actions represents safe and appropriate practice by the PN?

  1. Measuring the drainage from a client's surgical wound drain and recording the volume in the electronic health record.Answer
  2. B
    Administering a prescribed intravenous (IV) push dose of a loop diuretic to a client experiencing acute fluid overload.
  3. C
    Describing the potential complications of a scheduled surgical procedure to secure the client's informed consent.
  4. D
    Discussing a client's upcoming discharge needs with the physical therapist while riding in a crowded public elevator.

Answer

Measuring the drainage from a client's surgical wound drain and recording the volume in the electronic health record.
Measuring and recording drainage is a standard data collection task that falls safely within the legal scope of practice for a practical nurse (PN). It involves objective measurement without requiring the initial, comprehensive assessment reserved for registered nurses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the practical nurse (PN) scope of practice regarding data collection versus assessment.
PNs are authorized to collect routine data, such as measuring and recording drainage, but cannot perform initial, comprehensive assessments.
To determine if the clinical action is legally permissible for the PN.
2
Evaluate the task of administering an IV push medication.
IV push medications are outside the standard scope of practice for a PN and require a registered nurse (RN).
IV push medications have rapid, systemic effects that require advanced assessment and evaluation.
3
Review the PN's role in the informed consent process.
The PN can witness a signature but cannot be the one to describe the risks, benefits, or complications of a procedure.
Providing the initial explanation of surgical risks is the responsibility of the healthcare provider.
4
Assess the communication scenario for privacy compliance.
Discussing client information in a public elevator violates HIPAA and client confidentiality regulations.
Client information must only be discussed in secure environments with authorized team members.

Key Concept

Scope of Practice and Safe Care Environment
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Client Care Assignments and Collaboration

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