A registered nurse has been leading teams of nursing assistive personnel (NAP) for several years and will soon be leading licensed practical nurses (LPNs) for the first time. In preparation for delegating to these nurses, the RN should:
ask each LPN what tasks he or she is comfortable performing.
delegate the same tasks to the LPNs that the RN normally delegated to NAPS.
consult a decision tree for delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel.
review the practical nurse scope of practice in the jurisdiction where they are working.
The Correct Answer is D
A. While it’s important to consider the comfort and competency of the LPNs, this approach alone does not ensure that the tasks delegated are within their legal scope of practice. It’s essential for the RN to also verify that the tasks align with the LPN’s training and legal scope of practice.
B. LPNs have a different scope of practice compared to nursing assistive personnel (NAP). They are trained to perform more complex tasks and provide a higher level of care than NAPs. Delegating the same tasks would not take advantage of the LPN's training and could lead to issues related to patient safety and quality of care.
C. While consulting a decision tree can be a useful tool for delegating tasks to NAPs, it does not apply to LPNs. LPNs have a different scope of practice and require a different framework for delegation, as they can perform nursing tasks that are not within the NAP scope.
D. This is the most appropriate action for the RN. Understanding the legal scope of practice for LPNs in their specific jurisdiction is crucial for safe and effective delegation. It ensures that the RN delegates tasks that LPNs are qualified to perform, thereby promoting patient safety and adhering to legal standards.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. An oncology nurse is a licensed nurse who is knowledgeable about blood transfusions and patient safety protocols. They are qualified to double-check the blood label against the client ID bracelet, as they understand the importance of this process in preventing transfusion reactions.
B. Assistive personnel (like nursing assistants or aides) typically do not have the training or authority to perform safety checks on blood products. They are generally involved in basic care tasks and do not have the necessary knowledge to verify blood transfusion details.
C. While phlebotomists are trained in drawing blood and may understand some aspects of blood work, they typically do not have the authority or training to verify blood products for transfusion. This task requires nursing judgment and knowledge of patient safety protocols.
D. A senior nursing student may have some knowledge of blood transfusion protocols, but they typically do not have the full licensure or experience of a registered nurse. While they may assist with many tasks, they should not be responsible for critical safety checks like verifying blood products for transfusion without supervision from a licensed nurse
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Collaboration between nurses at different levels is essential for improving client outcomes. By working together, nurses can share their expertise and ensure that clients receive the best possible care.
B. By increasing delegation between nurses at different levels, RNs can focus on high-risk tasks that require their expertise, while LPNs can take on more routine tasks. This can help to improve efficiency and reduce the workload of RNs, leading to better client outcomes.
C. LPNs can safely and effectively perform many low-risk tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and administering medications. Decreasing their workload for these tasks would not necessarily improve client outcomes.
D. RNs should not be overburdened with high-risk tasks. By delegating appropriate tasks to LPNs, RNs can focus on high-risk tasks that require their expertise and ensure that clients receive the best possible care.
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