Which nursing action could the registered nurse (RN) working in a skilled care hospital unit delegate to an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) caring for a patient with a permanent tracheostomy?
a. Assess the patient's risk for aspiration.
b. Suction the tracheostomy when needed.
c. Teach the patient about self-care of the tracheostomy.
d. Determine the need for replacement of the tracheostomy tube.
ANS: B
Suctioning of a stable patient can be delegated to LPNs/LVNs. Patient assessment and patient teaching should be done by the RN.
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Ethical nursing care may require that the LPN
a. Practice outside of the legal scope of practical nursing practice b. Examine his or her personal beliefs and values c. Compromise the rights of residents as out-lined in the Patient's Bill of Rights d. Practice outside of the facility's policies and procedures
You are completing the discharge plan for an alcoholic patient. Which support group should be included in the plan? ___________________
ANS:
The client who is being mechanically ventilated has copious amounts of secretions ranging from thick and tenacious to frothy. In preparing to suction this client, the nurse should:
A) Avoid hyperventilation and increase the oxygen to 100% for several breaths. B) Hyperventilate the client using a manual resuscitator. C) Avoid hyperventilation, but instill normal saline into the endotracheal tube. D) Hyperventilate the client using settings on the mechanical ventilator.
A client has been prescribed a medication that will be given only while the client is in the hospital. What can the nurse omit from the teaching regarding this medication?
1. Reason for administration 2. Potential side effects 3. Name of the drug 4. Drug classification