Question

The registered nurse is assigning patients to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Which patient needing enteral feedings would be within the scope of practice for the LPN? (Select All That Apply)

A) A home care patient who needs a medication given via the tube.
B) An unstable patient who needs the enteral tube irrigated.
C) A home care patient who needs to be evaluated every month.
D) A stable patient who needs to have a nasogastric tube inserted.
E) A family member that needs to be taught how to begin feedings.
F) A stable patient who needs skin care around an abdominal tube.

Answer 1

The LPN would be able to care for the home care patient who needs a medication given via the tube and the stable patient who needs skin care around an abdominal tube.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, the LPN would be able to care for the home care patient who needs a medication given via the tube and the stable patient who needs skin care around an abdominal tube. These tasks fall within the scope of practice for an LPN as long as they are performed under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.

The home care patient who needs to be evaluated every month would require a higher level of assessment and evaluation which is typically within the scope of practice for a registered nurse. Similarly, the unstable patient who needs the enteral tube irrigated would require more advanced knowledge and assessment skills.

The stable patient who needs to have a nasogastric tube inserted should also be managed by a registered nurse as this procedure requires more advanced skills and knowledge.

Lastly, teaching a family member how to begin feedings would typically be done by a registered nurse as it involves patient education and falls within their scope of practice.