A nurse is teaching a class about providing care within the legal scope of practice to a group of nurses.
The nurse should include that which of the following procedures is outside the legal scope of practice for an RN?

A.Jogging or any form of vigorous exercise, especially high-impact activities, should generally be avoided for at least 4–6 weeks after retinal surgery. This is because high-impact activities can increase intraocular pressure and potentially disrupt the healing retina. Jogging involves bouncing or jolting movements, which could adversely affect the repair.

B. Bending at the waist places increased pressure on the eye and can disrupt the healing process after retinal surgery. This action increases intraocular pressure and is typically discouraged postoperatively.

C. Light lifting, such as lifting objects under 10 pounds, is typically allowed after several weeks of recovery, once the initial healing has occurred and the client is no longer at risk for increasing intraocular pressure or straining the surgical site.

D. While sewing itself is a low-impact activity, the act of sewing typically involves bending over or placing the head below the waist, which could still increase intraocular pressure. Early postoperative instructions often caution against activities that involve bending or straining the eyes, such as sewing, reading, or watching TV for extended periods.

D. Correct. After surgical repair of a detached retina, clients should avoid activities that might increase intraocular pressure, like heavy lifting or bending at the waist. Activities that do not strain the eye, like sewing, can typically be resumed earlier.

Choice A rationale:

Changing the inner cannula on a tracheostomy is within the legal scope of practice for registered nurses. Nurses are trained to perform tracheostomy care, including changing the inner cannula. This procedure is within the nursing scope of practice and does not require a physician's intervention.

Choice B rationale:

Inserting a tunneled central venous catheter (such as a Hickman line) is a specialized procedure that generally falls under the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses (such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists) or physicians. RNs typically do not have the required training or authority to perform this invasive procedure.

Choice C rationale:

Irrigation of an external ear canal is within the legal scope of practice for registered nurses. Ear irrigation is a common nursing procedure used to remove impacted cerumen (earwax) and foreign bodies from the ear canal. Nurses are trained to perform this procedure safely and effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Administering blood products, including platelet transfusions, is within the legal scope of practice for an RN. RNs are responsible for preparing, verifying, and administering blood products according to institutional policies and procedures. This includes monitoring the patient during and after the transfusion for any adverse reactions.