The nurse implements a primary prevention program for sexually transmitted diseases in a nurse managed health center. Which outcome indicates that the program was effective?

A. Initiating teaching for client care after discharge is not within the scope of practice for a practical nurse (PN). Teaching, particularly initial or complex teaching, is a responsibility of the registered nurse (RN) because it requires assessment, planning, and evaluation of the client’s understanding.

B. Evaluating and updating plans of care is a responsibility of the RN. This activity requires critical thinking and clinical judgment to assess client progress and make adjustments to care plans, which are outside the PN’s scope of practice.

C. Performing the initial sterile wound care for surgical clients should be done by the RN. The initial wound care requires assessment of the wound’s condition, which is a task that involves critical thinking and is beyond the PN’s scope.

D. Validating prescribed intravenous flow rates is an appropriate task for the PN. This task is within their scope of practice as it involves verifying that the IV is running as prescribed but does not require the higher-level assessment and critical thinking skills reserved for the RN.

A.

The initial sterile wound care for surgical clients requires an assessment of the wound's appearance and healing, which is the responsibility of the RN. PNs can provide ongoing wound care but not the first assessment.

B.

Validating prescribed IV flow rates is within the scope of practice for a PN. This task involves observation and monitoring, which PNs are trained to perform safely and effectively.

C. Initiating teaching for client care after discharge involves comprehensive assessment, planning, and communication skills, which are typically performed by an RN.
D. Evaluating and updating plans of care for clients requires critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making skills, which are typically performed by an RN.