Which infection control actions would the nurse include in the use of standard precautions?

Choice A reason:

Instructing the client to hold a pillow to the abdominal incision when coughing is a task that involves patient education and reinforcement of postoperative care techniques. While LPNs/LVNs can provide basic patient education, this specific task requires ensuring that the patient understands the importance of splinting the incision to reduce pain and prevent complications such as wound dehiscence. This level of instruction is typically within the scope of practice for a registered nurse (RN), who has more extensive training in patient education and postoperative care. Therefore, this task is not the most appropriate for delegation to an LPN/LVN.

Choice B reason:

Obtaining bedside blood glucose is a task that is appropriate for delegation to an LPN/LVN. LPNs/LVNs are trained to perform routine tasks such as monitoring vital signs, including blood glucose levels, especially in patients with diabetes. This task involves using a glucometer to measure the patient’s blood sugar levels and recording the results. It does not require complex clinical judgment, making it suitable for an LPN/LVN. Regular monitoring of blood glucose is crucial for managing diabetes and preventing complications such as hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Choice C reason:

Creating the plan of care is a complex task that involves comprehensive assessment, critical thinking, and clinical judgment. This task is typically within the scope of practice for an RN, who is trained to develop and implement individualized care plans based on a thorough assessment of the patient’s needs, medical history, and current condition. The RN collaborates with other healthcare team members to ensure that the care plan addresses all aspects of the patient’s recovery and health maintenance. LPNs/LVNs can contribute to the care plan by providing input and performing delegated tasks, but they do not have the authority to create the plan of care independently.

Choice D reason:

Documenting postoperative teaching involves recording the education provided to the patient about their postoperative care, including instructions on medication, activity restrictions, wound care, and signs of complications to watch for. This task requires ensuring that the patient understands the information and can follow the instructions correctly. While LPNs/LVNs can reinforce teaching and provide basic education, the initial comprehensive teaching and documentation are typically the responsibility of an RN. The RN ensures that the teaching is thorough and that the patient has the necessary knowledge to manage their care at home.

Choice A: RN’s workload

While the RN’s workload can influence the decision to delegate tasks, it is not the primary factor. The RN must ensure that the tasks delegated are within the LPN/VN’s scope of practice and that patient safety is not compromised. The workload of the RN is a consideration but not a determining factor.

Choice B: Skill and experience of the LPN/VN

This is a correct answer. The skill and experience of the LPN/VN are crucial in determining what tasks can be safely delegated. An LPN/VN with more experience and higher skill levels can handle more complex tasks. The RN must assess the competency of the LPN/VN to ensure that they can perform the delegated tasks safely and effectively.

Choice C: Agency policies

Agency policies are important as they provide guidelines on what tasks can be delegated and to whom. However, they are not the sole factor in the decision-making process. The RN must also consider the specific circumstances of the patient and the competencies of the LPN/VN.

Choice D: Stability of the patients

This is another correct answer. The stability of the patients is a critical factor in delegation decisions. Stable patients with predictable outcomes are more suitable for care by an LPN/VN. Unstable patients or those with complex needs require the higher level of assessment and intervention that an RN provides.

Choice E: LPN/VN teaching abilities

While teaching abilities are important, they are not the primary consideration for delegation. The focus is on the LPN/VN’s ability to perform the delegated tasks safely and effectively. Teaching abilities may come into play in specific situations but are not a determining factor in most delegation decisions.