Which task is most likely to be considered in a state's practice act as appropriate to delegate to a LPN/LVN if the patient's condition is stable and competence in the task has been established?

Question

a. Administer an enema for an elective surgery patient.
b. Administer an antiarrhythmic medication IV while interpreting the patient's rhythm on the cardiac monitor.
c. Develop a plan of care for a stable patient admitted for observation after a head injury.
d. Teach a patient how to instill eye drops for glaucoma.

Answer 1

ANS: A
Correct: The RN who is delegating must consider the following: (1) the delegatee's current workload and the complexity of the task, (2) whether the staff member is familiar with the patient population and with the task to be performed, and (3) whether the RN is able to provide the appropriate level of supervision. The delegation decision-making tree would also support delegation of this task.
Incorrect:
b. Administration of an antiarrhythmic drug requires the skill of an RN to evaluate outcomes, especially when it is administered IV because of its fast rate of distribution.
c. Only an RN can develop the patient's plan of care, although others may assist in updating information.
d. The task of teaching is limited to RNs.