Question

The RN delegates changing a sterile dressing over a central line to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). The LPN/LVN contaminated the site during the dressing change, and an infection developed in the patient. Which of the following statements is true?

Option 1: The RN is solely responsible for any complications arising from the delegated task.
Option 2: The LPN/LVN is solely responsible for any complications arising from the delegated task.
Option 3: Both the RN and LPN/LVN share responsibility for the complications.
Option 4: The patient is solely responsible for any complications arising from the dressing change.

Answer 1

Both the RN and LPN/LVN may share responsibility when the LPN/LVN contaminates a site during a change of a sterile dressing which leads to an infection, due to delegation and duty of care principles.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) contaminated a site during a sterile dressing change over a central line leading to an infection, the question of responsibility arises for the resulting complications. According to standard nursing practice and principles of delegation, both the Registered Nurse (RN) who delegated the task and the LPN/LVN who performed the task may share responsibility. The RN should ensure they are delegating tasks to a competent individual and provide supervision as necessary. The LPN/LVN is responsible for performing the delegated task properly and following protocols to maintain sterility. If there is a breach in protocol or evidence of negligence, both might share responsibility for any complications that arise.