Question

Which of the following nursing duties is within the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse? A. Providing final discharge teaching for a client with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease B. Instructing a newly diagnosed diabetic on how to administer his insulin injections C. Monitoring the vital signs of a client receiving a blood transfusion D. Flushing a central line with a heparin solution

Short answer

A. Providing final discharge teaching for a client with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease B. Instructing a newly diagnosed diabetic on how to administer his insulin injections C. Monitoring the vital signs of a client receiving a blood transfusion D. Flushing a central line with a heparin solution Answer: C. Monitoring the vital signs of a client receiving a blood transfusion

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Providing final discharge teaching for a client with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease

This duty typically falls under the responsibility of a registered nurse (RN) or another higher-level healthcare professional. Licensed practical nurses may assist with some parts of discharge teaching, but providing the final discharge teaching is generally outside their scope of practice. So, option A is not correct.

Option B: Instructing a newly diagnosed diabetic on how to administer his insulin injections

This duty requires advanced knowledge and skills regarding diabetes management and insulin administration, which is usually within the scope of practice of a registered nurse (RN) or a certified diabetes educator. Thus, option B is not correct for a licensed practical nurse.

Option C: Monitoring the vital signs of a client receiving a blood transfusion

Monitoring vital signs, including during blood transfusions, is within the scope of practice for a licensed practical nurse. LPNs are trained to observe, document, and report any changes in a client's condition during treatments, such as a blood transfusion. Therefore, option C is correct.

Option D: Flushing a central line with a heparin solution

Flushing a central line with a heparin solution involves advanced skills and knowledge about central line maintenance, which is usually beyond the scope of practice for a licensed practical nurse. This duty is typically performed by a registered nurse (RN) or another higher-level healthcare professional. So, option D is not correct. Based on the analysis of each option, the correct answer is:

Answer

C. Monitoring the vital signs of a client receiving a blood transfusion