Question

The nursing staff of a local clinic is made up of two registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses. Which duty is within the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse? A. Administering a monthly infusion of Remicade to a client with rheumatoid arthritis B. Removing sutures from a client following abdominal surgery C. Changing a peg tube in a client with a stroke D. Flushing a Groshong catheter in a client receiving chemotherapy

Short answer

A. Administering a monthly infusion of Remicade to a client with rheumatoid arthritis B. Removing sutures from a client following abdominal surgery C. Changing a peg tube in a client with a stroke D. Flushing a Groshong catheter in a client receiving chemotherapy Answer: B. Removing sutures from a client following abdominal surgery

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the difference between a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Practical Nurse

A Registered Nurse (RN) typically has a higher level of education and training compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). RNs are expected to perform more complex procedures and make more critical decisions, while LPNs offer more basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN.

Analyze the given options

Go through each option and evaluate if the task would typically fall under the scope of practice for an LPN. A. Administering a monthly infusion of Remicade to a client with rheumatoid arthritis - This procedure is more complex and would typically be done by an RN. B. Removing sutures from a client following abdominal surgery - This task is a basic nursing care activity and could fall under the scope of practice for an LPN. C. Changing a peg tube in a client with a stroke - This procedure is more complex and could potentially involve complications that would require the expertise and training of an RN. D. Flushing a Groshong catheter in a client receiving chemotherapy - This procedure involves working with a chemotherapy patient, which requires specialized knowledge and expertise that an RN would possess.

Select the correct answer

Based on the analysis in Step 2, the correct answer is: B. Removing sutures from a client following abdominal surgery - This is a basic nursing care activity that falls within the scope of practice for a Licensed Practical Nurse.