Question

Difficulty: MediumClient Care Assignments and Collaboration

The nursing team on an oncology unit is organizing the workflow for the shift. Match each clinical task with the nursing team member who is legally and safely permitted to perform it based on standard scope of practice.

  • Formulating the initial plan of care for a newly admitted client experiencing neutropeniaRegistered Nurse (RN)
  • Administering a scheduled subcutaneous anticoagulant to a stable clientLicensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/VN)
  • Recording daily weight and measuring morning vital signs for a client awaiting dischargeAssistive Personnel (AP)

Answer

Formulating the initial plan of care matches with the Registered Nurse (RN); administering a scheduled subcutaneous anticoagulant matches with the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/VN); recording daily weight and vital signs matches with the Assistive Personnel (AP).
Each task aligns with the legal and educational boundaries of the respective nursing roles: the RN handles complex planning and initial comprehensive assessments, the LPN/VN manages routine medication administration and focused care for stable clients, and the AP performs basic, non-invasive data collection on stable clients.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the task of formulating an initial plan of care.
Identified as an independent RN function.
Initial assessment and care planning are strictly within the RN's scope of practice.
2
Analyze the task of administering a scheduled subcutaneous medication.
Identified as appropriate for the LPN/VN.
LPN/VNs are licensed to administer non-intravenous routine medications to stable clients.
3
Analyze the task of recording weight and vital signs.
Identified as delegable to the AP.
Basic data collection on stable clients is a standard competency for Assistive Personnel.

Key Concept

Nursing Scope of Practice and Task Delegation
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