I purchased a delegation book yesterday, and I have been going through the questions. Some of the answers have me puzzled. I have always been taught that RNs always perform steps of the nursing process including assessments and evaluation. However, some answers say that LPNs can:
*look for signs of improvement after initiating med treatment
*check for signs of infection
Isn't that assessment?
*collect data about a patient's response to treatment
*observe a patient to ensure an intervention is done correctly
Isn't that evaluation?
I know that LPNs can auscultate breath sounds for example, as long as it is not for an initial assessment (admission). However, in the above situations I am a bit confused.
I am an LPN and been one for 5 years in an acute care setting. Hope I can shed some light on this one. An LPN can evaluate a predictable expected outcome, but, if we see something unpredictable or a change from a previous assessment then we must report to RN the change. RN must co-sign any and all assessments. LPN cannot do admit or discharge. No discharge teaching. We can teach deep breathing and coughing. We can tell pts. what the meds are for but if they have questions must get RN.
Now, some of this varies from state to state, some BON have stipulations on " needing extra class/certifications, etc." to do more. Such as, where I am an LPN cannot hang IV meds or start IV without certification.
kscuba
18 Posts
thanks guys.. i cant wait until after thur when im all done with the nclex (for good i hope)