The charge nurse is planning client care assignments for a registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN). Which of the following clients would be most appropriate to assign to the RN? A client with
The charge nurse is planning client care assignments for a registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN). Which of the following clients would be most appropriate to assign to the RN? A client with
A. chronic anemia requiring epoetin injections.
[5%]
B. a resolving pneumothorax with a chest tube.
[5%]
C. a tracheostomy requiring intermittent suctioning.
[6%]
D. septic shock requiring intravenous (IV) vasopressors.
[84%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Leadership & Management
Lesson
Assignment/Delegation
Client Need
Test Plan
Management of Care
Related Topic
Assignment, Delegation and Supervision
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice D is correct. When making client assignments, the RN should be assigned the client with the least predictable outcome who is unstable. The client with septic shock receiving intravenous vasopressors should be assigned to the RN because of the need to titrate the vasopressors. Further, this client being in shock, is not stable and requires frequent assessment.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. An LPN should be assigned clients who are stable and with a predictable outcome. A client with a chronic illness such as anemia requiring epoetin injections can be delegated to the LPN (Epoetin, unlike RhoGAM, is not regarded as a blood product). Further, the client with a resolving pneumothorax may be assigned to the LPN because the condition is resolving. Finally, LPNs may do suction in an established tracheostomy.
Related Videos
6 Key Topics
LPN Delegation
15.7 Delegation
RN Delegation
15.7 Delegation
Scope of Practice Overview
15.7 Delegation
Additional Info
✓ When making client assignments, the nurse should always assign the most unstable client to the RN.
✓ This also involves clients requiring initial assessments or discharge teaching.
✓ The LPN may reinforce teaching, data collection, and care for clients with low acuity illnesses.
