A student nurse asks, What determines the LPN/LVN's role and ...

[tuffie]

A student nurse asks, What determines the LPN/LVN's role and responsibilities in the practice setting? The best answer is
 
  a. The job analysis performed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
  b. The Nurse Practice Act of the state in which the LPN/LVN is employed.
  c. The skill mix of the agency unit to which the nurse is assigned.
  d. The degree of centralization of the unit on which the LPN/LVN works.

Question 2

The aspect of functioning that distinguishes RNs from LPN/LVNs is that only RNs
 
  a. plan and organize daily care for groups of patients.
  b. implement measures ordered to prevent complications.
  c. provide health information to patients and families.
  d. initiate independent nursing actions based on nursing diagnoses.

[Brummell1998]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The LPN/LVN's role is determined by the Nurse Practice Act of the state in which the nurse is working. The Nurse Practice Act differs from state to state but generally allows LPN/LVNs to provide care in basic and complex patient situations under the general supervision of an RN, physician, podiatrist, or dentist. The other options are not determinants of scope of practice.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
LPN/LVNs function interdependently rather than independently. The LPN/LVN functions under the supervision of the RN. The LPN/LVN is able to perform the remaining options.