Author Question: When the Nurse Practice Act of the state permits delegation as part of the LPN/LVN charge nurse ... (Read 69 times)

Kthamas · **on:** Jul 17, 2018

When the Nurse Practice Act of the state permits delegation as part of the LPN/LVN charge nurse duties, which task could be delegated to experienced, unlicensed assistive personnel who have been trained to perform the task?

a. Calling the physician when a resident's condition deteriorates
b. Providing a performance evaluation for another nursing assistant
c. Taking the vital signs of a resident whose condition is not critical
d. Handling a grievance brought by a nursing assistant

Question 2

The priority step the LPN/LVN charge nurse should take before delegating one of the charges to another LPN/LVN on staff is to

a. determine whether the other LPN/LVN is competent to perform the task to be delegated.
b. check the Nurse Practice Act of the state to learn whether an LPN/LVN charge nurse is allowed to delegate duties.
c. delegate both the task and the responsibility that goes with the task.
d. determine the directions that will be provided to the person to whom the task is delegated.

Briannahope · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 17, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
This duty is one that can be safely and appropriately delegated. The other options are duties that are reserved for charge nurses or higher level management. Duties that may be delegated to nursing assistants usually involve identified resident goals rather than goals relating to personnel management.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Charge nurse duties are part of an expanded LPN/LVN role. The charge nurse can delegate duties that are part of the ordinary role of the LPN/LVN to another LPN/LVN but may not be able to delegate duties that are part of the expanded role unless specifically permitted to do so by the Nurse Practice Act of the state. Determining whether the other LPN/LVN is competent to perform the task to be delegated is relevant but not the priority step to take. Delegating both the task and the responsibility that goes with the task is not the priority step to take. Determining the directions that will be provided to the person to whom the task is delegated is relevant but not the priority step to take.