Which of the following cannot be delegated to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?
Explanation
•Initiating primary IV medications, admission assessments, and initial patient teaching should be done by an RN.
According the the NCLEX-PN Test Plan, Licensed Practical Nurses perform the following:
• Perform wound care and/or dressing changes
• Remove wound sutures or staples
• Oral, IM, and SQ medication can be administered by an LPN.
• Urinary catheterization can be done by an LPN.
• LPNs can administer drugs by the PO, IM, and SQ or intradermal route.
• LPNs can also give oxygen or other medications by inhalation, ear, eye, nose, or skin.
• LPNs can also administer drugs by gastrointestinal or nasogastric tube.
• LPNs may participate in the narcotics/controlled substances count.
• LPNs can monitor intravenous (IV) flow rate and may administer IV piggyback (secondary) medications.
• Initiating a primary IV medication must only be done by an RN.