Question

Which client task is most appropriately delegated to the licensed practical nurse (LPN) on the oncology unit? ? A. Sterile wound care ? B. Administer blood product ? C. Access a vascular access device ? D. Perform discharge teaching

Short answer

Answer: A. Sterile wound care

Step-by-step solution

Understand the role of an LPN

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a healthcare professional working under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. LPNs provide basic nursing care, including monitoring patients, administering medications, and performing routine procedures within their scope of practice.

Evaluate the given tasks

Let's examine each task and determine if it's appropriate for an LPN in an oncology unit. A. Sterile wound care - LPNs can perform sterile wound care as it is within their scope of practice. B. Administer blood product - Administering blood products is typically a task reserved for RNs or those with additional certifications because of the possibility of severe side effects and the need for close monitoring of the patient. C. Access a vascular access device - Accessing a vascular access device (e.g., central lines or PICC lines) requires specialized training and is typically performed by RNs or specially trained healthcare providers. D. Perform discharge teaching - Discharge teaching requires in-depth knowledge of patient needs and potential complications. These tasks are usually performed by registered nurses, as they possess the educational background and overall patient care knowledge necessary for this task.

Determine the most appropriate task for an LPN

Considering the scope of practice for an LPN and evaluating the tasks in the question, it becomes evident that the most appropriate task for an LPN in an oncology unit is: A. Sterile wound care