Nursing Roles
What is the difference between the scope of practice of an LPN and a UAP?
The LPN uses nursing knowledge and judgment within their authorized scope; assistive personnel perform assigned tasks within their training and competence.
What ethical principle means respecting a client's right to make their own health care decisions?
Autonomy.
Name two common factors that contribute to constipation.
Low fluid intake, insufficient fiber, immobility, or medications that slow bowel motility.
What is the difference between friction and shear?
Friction is rubbing between surfaces; shear is displacement of deeper tissues relative to the skin.
What is the difference between subjective and objective client data?
Subjective data are reported experiences; objective data are observable or measurable findings.
What is the purpose of the chain of command?
To communicate and escalate concerns when they have not been adequately addressed.
What is the difference between beneficence and nonmaleficence?
Beneficence means promoting good; nonmaleficence means avoiding harm.
What is the difference between stress and urge urinary incontinence?
Stress: leakage with increased abdominal pressure such as coughing. Urge: leakage associated with sudden, compelling urgency.
How does a stage 1 pressure injury differ from a stage 2 pressure injury?
Stage 1 has intact skin with nonblanchable color change; stage 2 involves partial-thickness skin loss or a serum-filled blister.
What does SBAR stand for?
Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.
Name two factors an LPN should consider before assigning a task to assistive personnel.
Client stability, task predictability, staff competence, needed supervision, and findings to report.
What is the difference between assault and battery in nursing?
Assault involves creating reasonable fear of imminent harmful or offensive contact; battery involves unauthorized harmful or offensive physical contact.
What is the purpose of a post-void residual bladder scan?
To estimate how much urine remains in the bladder after voiding.
Name three factors that can delay wound healing.
poor nutrition, diabetes or elevated glucose, smoking, impaired circulation, infection, and continued pressure.
What is teach-back, and why is it used?
Having the client explain or demonstrate instructions in their own words to check understanding.
A client needs help improving mobility after a stroke. Which team member specializes in rehabilitation of movement?
Physical therapist.
A nurse witnesses suspected abuse of a vulnerable adult. What is the nurse's responsibility?
Follow applicable reporting laws and facility procedures; do not wait for proof or investigate independently.
A client with constipation begins passing small amounts of liquid stool. What complication should the nurse consider?
Fecal impaction with overflow leakage.
What are the three major phases of wound healing after hemostasis?
Inflammation, proliferation, and maturation/remodeling.
An assistive person reports a significant change in a client's vital signs. What is the LPN's priority?
Promptly collect additional client data, address immediate safety needs, and report/escalate as appropriate.
An LPN is asked to perform an unfamiliar procedure that is within the legal PN scope. What should the nurse consider before proceeding?
Whether they have the training and competence to perform it safely; they should seek education or qualified assistance if needed.
Name the four elements needed to establish professional negligence.
Duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages (actual injury or loss).
A client has severe abdominal distention, vomiting, and cannot pass gas. What serious condition should the nurse suspect, and why is it urgent?
Possible bowel obstruction; it requires prompt evaluation because of the risk of ischemia, perforation, and other complications.
Explain the difference between wound dehiscence and evisceration.
Dehiscence is separation of wound edges; evisceration is protrusion of internal organs through a wound.
A client with limited English proficiency needs discharge teaching. Describe three strategies that promote safe, client-centered communication.
Use a qualified interpreter, clear and simple language, and teach-back; allow questions and use appropriate translated materials.