Final answer:
LPNs can perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse, including providing dialysis treatments, monitoring vital signs, preparing solutions, and ensuring sterile procedures. They also review patient history, assess conditions, administer medications, and document care. An LPN with extensive experience is highly capable of managing these crucial tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play a critical role in the healthcare team, especially under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. One of the key responsibilities of an LPN is to focus on providing dialysis treatments for patients with kidney issues. The LPN would be responsible for several tasks.
Firstly, they would review patient history and assess the patient's current condition. Gathering this information is crucial to provide accurate and personalized care. Secondly, responding to patient needs both before and during the treatment is a vital element of their role. This can involve interpreting signs that suggest a patient's health status.
Monitoring the dialysis process is another significant responsibility. Throughout the treatment, an LPN will take and report a patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate, ensuring they are within safe parameters. Moreover, LPNs are tasked with preparing the solutions and equipment needed for dialysis treatments. It is imperative that these procedures are done accurately and that all equipment is sterile to prevent infections and complications.
In addition to these duties, LPNs can perform other tasks such as wound care, which might involve abdominal dressing changes due to wound infections, as well as administer medications, and document patient care. The wide-ranging expertise of an LPN with 10 years of experience makes them exceptionally well-equipped to handle these complex and essential medical procedures.