Author Question: The Nurse Practice Act of state X expressly states that blood products may be administered only by ... (Read 53 times)

haleyc112 · **on:** Jul 17, 2018

The Nurse Practice Act of state X expressly states that blood products may be administered only by physicians, registered nurses, and physician assistants. Under what conditions can an LPN/LVN administer a unit of packed red cells?

a. When a physician orders it
b. If the registered nurse delegates it
c. If the agency policy allows it
d. Never; LPN/LVNs cannot administer packed cells

Question 2

What is the nurse's responsibility regarding an improper medical order that, if carried out, may harm a patient?

a. The nurse must carry out the orders as written without questioning.
b. The nurse must go directly to the physician and, if necessary, refuse to carry out the order.
c. The nurse must go directly to the patient and ask the patient to make a decision about the order.
d. The nurse should carry out the order and then immediately resign so as not to be held responsible.

iman · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 17, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The LPN/LVN cannot under any condition administer blood products, because this action is expressly prohibited in the state Nurse Practice Act.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The nurse should deal directly with the physician who wrote the order. If this is unsuccessful, the nurse should use the nursing chain of command. Carrying out the orders as written without questioning is unsafe and may cause harm to the patient. Going directly to the patient and asking the individual to make a decision abut the order is unrealistic and inappropriate. Carrying out the order and then immediately resigning so as not to be held responsible is unsafe.