A registered nurse (RN) and an experienced licensed practical nurse (LPN) are caring for a group of clients. Which of the following tasks should the RN delegate to the LPN? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
Monitoring vital signs of postoperative clients.
Administering routine medications to stable clients.
Performing wound care on a client with a Stage III pressure ulcer.
Developing a teaching plan for a client newly diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.
Providing oral care to an unconscious client.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,E
Choice A reason:
Monitoring vital signs of postoperative clients is a task that can be safely delegated to an experienced LPN. LPNs are trained to monitor and report vital signs, which is a routine and essential part of postoperative care. This task does not require the advanced assessment skills of an RN, making it appropriate for delegation.
Choice B reason:
Administering routine medications to stable clients is within the scope of practice for LPNs. They are trained to administer medications and monitor clients for adverse reactions. As long as the clients are stable and the medications are routine, this task can be delegated to an LPN.
Choice C reason:
Performing wound care on a client with a Stage III pressure ulcer is a task that an experienced LPN can perform. LPNs are skilled in wound care and can manage complex dressings and treatments under the supervision of an RN. This delegation allows the RN to focus on more complex tasks that require their advanced skills.
Choice D reason:
Developing a teaching plan for a client newly diagnosed with Type II Diabetes is a task that should not be delegated to an LPN. This task requires comprehensive knowledge of diabetes management, patient education, and individualized care planning, which are within the RN’s scope of practice. The RN should develop the teaching plan and may involve the LPN in reinforcing the education.
Choice E reason:
Providing oral care to an unconscious client is a task that can be delegated to an experienced LPN. Oral care is essential for preventing infections and maintaining hygiene, and LPNs are trained to perform this care safely and effectively.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: A negative-pressure isolation room
A negative-pressure isolation room is typically used for patients with airborne infections, such as tuberculosis or measles, to prevent the spread of infectious agents through the air. Scabies, however, is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact and occasionally through contact with contaminated clothing or bedding. Therefore, a negative-pressure isolation room is not necessary for a scabies patient1.
Choice B: A private room
A private room is the most appropriate choice for a client with scabies. This type of room helps prevent the spread of the infestation to other patients and allows for better control of the environment. Scabies is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with the infested person or indirectly through contaminated items. Isolating the patient in a private room minimizes the risk of transmission and allows for proper infection control measures to be implemented2.
Choice C: A semi-private room with a client who has pediculosis capitis
Placing a scabies patient in a semi-private room with another patient, even one with a different parasitic infection like pediculosis capitis (head lice), is not advisable. Both conditions are highly contagious, and cohabitation increases the risk of cross-contamination and further spread of both infestations. Each condition requires specific treatment and isolation protocols to effectively manage and prevent outbreaks3.
Choice D: A positive-pressure isolation room
A positive-pressure isolation room is designed to protect immunocompromised patients from external contaminants by ensuring that air flows out of the room rather than in. This type of room is not suitable for a scabies patient, as it does not address the primary mode of transmission for scabies, which is direct contact. The focus for scabies management should be on preventing direct and indirect contact with others4.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The assistive personnel’s ability to complete the task without assistance is important, but it is encompassed within the broader consideration of their competency and experience. Ensuring that the personnel can perform the task independently is part of assessing their overall capability.
Choice B reason:
The assistive personnel’s level of experience and competency in performing the task is a critical factor in the delegation process. The nurse must ensure that the personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the task safely and effectively. This consideration aligns with the “right person” aspect of the five rights of delegation, ensuring that the task is delegated to someone who is qualified to perform it.
Choice C reason:
The assistive personnel’s rapport with clients is beneficial for providing compassionate care, but it is not a primary consideration in the delegation process. The focus should be on the personnel’s ability to perform the task competently and safely.
Choice D reason:
The assistive personnel’s availability at the time of the delegation is a logistical consideration, but it does not address the critical aspect of competency. While availability is necessary, it is secondary to ensuring that the personnel are capable of performing the task.