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?
Changing the inner cannula on a tracheostomy.
Inserting a tunneled central venous catheter.
Irrigation of an external ear canal.
Administering a platelet transfusion.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Covering the adolescent with a thermal blanket may worsen hyperthermia.
B. Correct. Hyperthermia can cause neurological complications, such as seizures, confusion, or coma. Therefore, the nurse should initiate seizure precautions for an adolescent who has hyperthermia to prevent injury and protect the airway.
C. Incorrect. Submerging the feet in ice water is not recommended due to the risk of causing shock.
D. Incorrect. Administering oral acetaminophen would not be effective for hyperthermia caused by non-infectious factors, such as heat exposure or medications. Acetaminophen lowers the body temperature by reducing the hypothalamic set point, which is not altered in hyperthermia. Additionally, oral medications may be difficult to swallow or absorb in a hyperthermic patient.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Ensuring the device inspection sticker is current is important but not the first action to take when there's a potential safety issue.
B. Incorrect. Reporting the defect is important, but immediate action to ensure client safety should come first.
C. Correct. The nurse's first priority should be ensuring client safety. Removing the device from the room prevents any potential harm from using the device with a frayed cord.
D. Incorrect. Initiating a requisition for a replacement is important, but immediate action to ensure safety is a higher priority.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.