Scope Basics
THE LAW DETERMINES WHAT LPNs ARE ALLOWED TO DO IN EACH STATE
WHAT IS THE NURSE PRACTICE ACT ?
The only part of the nursing process LPNs perform independently.
What is implementation?
The LPN can safely give medications by these routes: (Name one).
What is oral, IM, subcutaneous, topical, eye, ear, or nasal?
This describes when the LPN can delegate tasks to a UAP: the patient must be __
What is stable?
A sudden drop in blood pressure requires this immediate action.
What is notify the RN?
This type of assessment LPNs can contribute to but cannot perform independently.
What is the initial assessment?
LPNs gather this type of patient information, which the RN uses to form diagnoses.
What is data collection?
This type of IV medication is almost always out of LPN scope.
What are IV push medications?
Name a task an LPN can delegate to a UAP.
What is taking vital signs, bathing, feeding, ambulation, or I&O?
This neurological symptom (starting with 'C') requires immediate reporting.
What is confusion?
LPNs reinforce this only after the RN has initiated it.
What is patient teaching?
The RN does this step after assessing the patient to determine care needs; the LPN cannot.
What is formulating nursing diagnoses?
This blood-related treatment is typically performed only by RNs.
What is administering blood products?
This 5-word checklist determines whether delegation is safe.
What are the Five Rights of Delegation?
This respiratory change requires a rapid RN notification: the patient develops __.
What is shortness of breath?
This document serves as legal protection and must be completed accurately after care.
What is documentation?
LPNs can do this “add-on” step to help shape the care plan but cannot complete it independently.
What is contributing to care planning?
Name one titratable infusion that LPNs cannot manage.
What are drips like insulin, heparin, or vasopressors?
This UAP task is unsafe to delegate for a patient who is a fall risk.
What is ambulating?
This symptom should never be ignored in an LPN assignment: sudden __ pain.
What is chest pain?
This healthcare professional directs the LPN's practice in acute care settings.
Who is the RN or provider?
This step of the nursing process evaluates outcomes; LPNs must report data instead of doing it independently.
What is evaluation?
This type of medication is prohibited for LPNs due to high risk and complex monitoring requirements
What is chemotherapy?
This action, if delegated by an LPN, would be unsafe because it requires clinical judgment.
What is interpreting results, assessing changes, or teaching patients?
This is the LPN’s FIRST action when a patient’s condition worsens.
What is stay with the patient and assess vitals?