A nurse manager is facilitating a seminar for newly licensed registered nurses. The focus of the seminar is to assist the nurses in understanding their legal scope of practice. Which of the following information should the nurse manager include in the seminar?
Explanation & Rationale
A. An assistive personnel can evaluate a client's response to medication: Assistive personnel do not have the education or licensure to evaluate medication effects. They can perform delegated tasks such as vital signs or basic care, but assessment and evaluation of clinical responses remain within the RN’s scope of practice. B. An RN can initiate the plan of care for a client on admission: Registered nurses are responsible for performing assessments, identifying nursing diagnoses, and developing an individualized plan of care upon admission. This is a core component of the RN’s legal scope of practice and requires professional judgment. C. An RN can delegate blood administration to a licensed practical nurse: Blood administration is a high-risk procedure that generally cannot be delegated to an LPN in many states due to its complexity and potential for adverse reactions. The RN retains responsibility for administration and monitoring. D. A licensed practical nurse can provide initial discharge instructions: Providing initial discharge instructions requires comprehensive assessment, education, and evaluation, which are within the RN’s scope of practice. LPNs may reinforce education but cannot independently provide initial instructions.