Which of the following aspects of nursing would be most likely defined by legislation at a state level?

Question

A) The differences in the scope of practice between registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
B) The criteria that a nurse must consider when delegating tasks to unlicensed care providers.
C) The criteria that clients must meet in order to qualify for Medicare or Medicaid.
D) The process that nurses must follow when handling and administering medications.

Answer 1

Ans: A
The scope of practice defines the parameters within which nurses provide care, and is established by state legislation, most commonly in the form of a Nurse Practice Act. The criteria and due process for delegation in the clinical setting is addressed by a state board of nursing. Qualification criteria for programs such as Medicare and Medicaid are established by federal legislation, while the process for safe and appropriate medication administration is defined and monitored by a state board of nursing.