When delegating care, which of the following assessments should be performed by a registered nurse instead of an LPN?

When delegating care, which of the following assessments should be performed by a registered nurse instead of an LPN?

• A. Neurovascular checks on a post-surgical patient
• B. Wound dressing changes on a stable client
• C. Routine vital sign monitoring for a stable patient
• D. Bedside glucose checks for diabetic patients

Answer: (A)

The assessment that should be performed by a registered nurse instead of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is the neurovascular checks on a post-surgical patient. This task requires a deeper level of critical thinking, analysis, and comprehensive nursing judgment, which aligns with the scope of practice of a registered nurse. Neurovascular assessments involve evaluating the motor function, sensory function, circulation, and vital signs in the affected limb, which could reveal complications such as compartment syndrome or vascular insufficiency. Given the potential for significant changes in a post-surgical patient, a registered nurse is better equipped to interpret these findings, make clinical decisions, and act upon them if any issues arise. In contrast, the other options—wound dressing changes, routine vital sign monitoring, and bedside glucose checks—are generally considered within the LPN's scope of practice and require less complex judgment compared to performing neurovascular checks. LPNs are trained to handle these tasks competently, but the critical nature of post-surgical assessments necessitates a registered nurse's expertise to ensure that any complications are identified and managed promptly.

The assessment that should be performed by a registered nurse instead of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is the neurovascular checks on a post-surgical patient. This task requires a deeper level of critical thinking, analysis, and comprehensive nursing judgment, which aligns with the scope of practice of a registered nurse.

Neurovascular assessments involve evaluating the motor function, sensory function, circulation, and vital signs in the affected limb, which could reveal complications such as compartment syndrome or vascular insufficiency. Given the potential for significant changes in a post-surgical patient, a registered nurse is better equipped to interpret these findings, make clinical decisions, and act upon them if any issues arise.

In contrast, the other options—wound dressing changes, routine vital sign monitoring, and bedside glucose checks—are generally considered within the LPN's scope of practice and require less complex judgment compared to performing neurovascular checks. LPNs are trained to handle these tasks competently, but the critical nature of post-surgical assessments necessitates a registered nurse's expertise to ensure that any complications are identified and managed promptly.