A client reports that she ingested 1/2 of a liter of a prep solution for a colonoscopy. How many mL of fluid intake should the practical nurse (PN) document?
(Enter numeric value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest whole number.)

This question is related to the responsibilities and scope of practice of a practical nurse (PN) and a medication aide. A medication aide is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who is responsible for administering daily medication to patients under the supervision of a licensed nurse, such as a PN or a registered nurse (RN). A PN is a licensed nurse who can provide routine care, observe patients’ health, assist doctors and RNs, and communicate instructions to patients regarding medication, home-based care, and preventative lifestyle changes.

Based on this information, the best action that the PN should take in this situation is c. Assign the remainder of medication administration to another PN who is performing treatments. This is because it would ensure that the medication administration is completed by another licensed nurse who has the knowledge, skills, and authority to do so. The PN who is performing treatments may have some spare time or be able to rearrange their schedule to accommodate the additional task. The PN should also communicate with the other PN and the medication aide about the situation and document the change of assignment in the patients’ records.

Option a is not a good choice, because it would be unfair and unethical to deny the medication aide’s request to leave if they are sick. The medication aide’s health and well-being are also important, and forcing them to stay and work could compromise their safety and the quality of care they provide to the patients.

Option b is not a good choice, because it would be outside the scope of practice of the UAPs to give medications to the patients. UAPs are not trained or certified to administer medications, and doing so could pose serious risks to the patients’ health and safety. The PN would also be liable for any errors or adverse outcomes that may result from the UAPs’ actions.

Option d is not a good choice, because it would not solve the problem of the medication administration being incomplete. Documenting why the medications were not given is important, but it is not enough to ensure that the patients receive their prescribed drugs and treatments. The PN still has the responsibility to find a way to complete the medication administration or delegate it to another qualified and available person.

A. Checking the medical record for the correct signed consent form prior to the examination is the primary responsibility of the practical nurse (PN). Ensuring that the consent form is properly signed and documented in the medical record is crucial for legal and ethical reasons before proceeding with any invasive procedure.
B. While explaining the examination is important, obtaining informed consent is the responsibility of the provider, not the PN. The PN can clarify information but should not be the one to explain the procedure in detail and obtain the signature.
C. Explaining the procedure to a family member and obtaining their signature is not appropriate, as consent must come from the client unless they are incapacitated. Family members cannot give consent for procedures unless legally designated as such.
D. While asking if the client understands the exam and the need for the consent form is a good practice for ensuring informed consent, the PN's responsibility focuses more on verifying that the consent has been properly obtained and documented.