When working in the urology/nephrology clinic, which patient's care could the nurse delegate to an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN)?

A. Patient who requires teaching about possible post-cystoscopy complications: Teaching requires assessment and specialized knowledge, which are within the registered nurse’s scope of practice. The LPN/VN can reinforce teaching but cannot take primary responsibility for initial patient education. B. Patient who is scheduled for a renal biopsy after a recent kidney transplant: This patient is at high risk for complications such as bleeding and graft rejection, requiring close monitoring and advanced clinical judgment. Care for this patient should remain with the registered nurse. C. Patient who will need monitoring for several hours after a renal arterogram: Post-arterogram monitoring involves assessing for bleeding, circulation changes, and possible contrast-related complications. These tasks require frequent assessment and higher-level clinical decision-making by the RN. D. Patient who will have catheterization to check for residual urine after voiding: This is a stable patient requiring a routine procedure within the scope of practice for an experienced LPN/VN. Catheterization is a skill LPNs are trained to perform safely under the RN’s supervision, making this the appropriate delegation choice.