The nurse is planning client assignments in the mental health unit.
Which task should the nurse delegate to the licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN)?
The nurse is planning client assignments in the mental health unit.
Which task should the nurse delegate to the licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN)?
A. conduct a suicide assessment on a newly admitted client
[3%]
B. administering prescribed lithium to a client with bipolar disorder
[47%]
C. leading a group therapy session for clients with depressive disorders
[7%]
D. monitoring a client who is talking on the phone to a family member
[43%]
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
Analysis
Explanation
Choice B is correct. It would be appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the LPN/VN to administer prescribed medications. Administering medications by mouth, topically, intramuscular, otic, subcutaneous, intranasal, and intravenous piggyback is within the scope of the LPN/VN.
Choice A is incorrect. A registered nurse should administer a suicide assessment. The LPN/VN may collect data on a client's thought process, but the RN should execute a comprehensive assessment.
Choice C is incorrect. The RN should lead the group therapy session for clients as this will require facilitation and teaching skills.
Choice D is incorrect. The licensed practical nurse (LPN) should not be tasked with listening to the client's phone conversation, as the client should be provided privacy while communicating with others.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
LPN Delegation
15.7 Delegation
Additional Info
✓ The nurse who delegates a responsibility maintains overall accountability for the client. However, the delegatee performs the delegated activity, skill, or procedure.
✓ The nurse cannot delegate nursing judgment or any activity that involves nursing judgment or critical decision-making.
✓ Nursing responsibilities must be delegated by someone with the authority to do so.
✓ Any decision to delegate a nursing responsibility must be based on the needs of the client or population, the stability and predictability of the client’s condition, the documented training and competence of the delegatee, and the ability of the licensed nurse to supervise both the delegated task and its outcome—with particular consideration given to the available staff mix and client acuity.
