Question

41.A licensed practical nurse (LPN) who typically works on a medical unit has been assigned to cover staffing deficits on a surgical unit. After obtaining report, the nurse realizes that one of the assigned patients is currently receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). Which action should the nurse take?

a. Provide patient care as assigned.
b. Ask another nurse to trade patients for the shift.
c. Notify the supervisor that another nurse will need to be pulled.
d. Notify the charge nurse that an adjustment in the patient assignment is necessary.

Answer 1

The LPN should notify the charge nurse that an adjustment in the patient assignment is necessary. The correct answer is option C .

Step-by-step explanation:

When a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is assigned to cover staffing deficits on a surgical unit and realizes that one of the assigned patients is receiving parenteral nutrition (PN), the nurse should take the following action: Notify the charge nurse that an adjustment in the patient assignment is necessary.

This is because administering parenteral nutrition requires specialized knowledge and training that LPNs may not possess. It is important to ensure that the patient receives the appropriate care and that their nutritional needs are properly managed. By notifying the charge nurse, the LPN can advocate for the patient's safety and well-being by requesting a more appropriate assignment.

As a licensed practical nurse, it is important to know one's scope of practice and to recognize when a particular task or assignment may be beyond that scope. In this situation, the administration of parenteral nutrition falls within the scope of practice of a registered nurse (RN) or other qualified healthcare professional. By notifying the charge nurse, the LPN can ensure that the patient is being cared for by the appropriate healthcare provider.