Which clients are appropriate for an RN to assign to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?

Which clients are appropriate for an RN to assign to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?

• A. A client with a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes
• B. A client with a foot ulcer requiring a dressing change
• C. A client with gastrointestinal bleeding
• D. A client recently admitted after a severe asthma attack

Answer: (B)

Assigning clients to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) should consider the complexity of the client's condition and the level of care required. The correct response highlights a scenario where the LPN can effectively utilize their training and skills. A client with a foot ulcer requiring a dressing change is appropriate for an LPN to manage. LPNs are trained to perform routine wound care, including cleaning wounds and changing dressings, which requires knowledge of infection control but does not typically involve complex assessments or critical decision-making. This allows LPNs to provide care within their scope of practice while maintaining patient safety and ensuring that appropriate care is delivered. In contrast, a client with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes requires comprehensive education, monitoring, and insulin management, tasks that are suited for an RN due to their complexity and the potential for acute changes in the client's condition. The client experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding presents a high-risk scenario that necessitates immediate and thorough assessment and intervention, which are within the RN's purview. Similarly, the newly admitted client after a severe asthma attack requires careful monitoring and potential adjustments in care, tasks that are critical and complex in nature, further aligning with the nursing responsibilities of an RN. Focusing on the level of care and the skills required,

Assigning clients to a licensed practical nurse (LPN) should consider the complexity of the client's condition and the level of care required. The correct response highlights a scenario where the LPN can effectively utilize their training and skills.

A client with a foot ulcer requiring a dressing change is appropriate for an LPN to manage. LPNs are trained to perform routine wound care, including cleaning wounds and changing dressings, which requires knowledge of infection control but does not typically involve complex assessments or critical decision-making. This allows LPNs to provide care within their scope of practice while maintaining patient safety and ensuring that appropriate care is delivered.

In contrast, a client with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes requires comprehensive education, monitoring, and insulin management, tasks that are suited for an RN due to their complexity and the potential for acute changes in the client's condition. The client experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding presents a high-risk scenario that necessitates immediate and thorough assessment and intervention, which are within the RN's purview. Similarly, the newly admitted client after a severe asthma attack requires careful monitoring and potential adjustments in care, tasks that are critical and complex in nature, further aligning with the nursing responsibilities of an RN.

Focusing on the level of care and the skills required,