The emergency department (ED) nurse is initiating therapeutic hypothermia in a patient who has been resuscitated after a cardiac arrest
Which actions in the hypothermia protocol can be delegated to an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) (select all that apply)?
a. Continuously monitor heart rhythm.
b. Check neurologic status every 2 hours.
c. Place cooling blankets above and below patient.
d. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg per nasogastric tube.
e. Insert rectal temperature probe and attach to cooling blanket control panel.
ANS: C, D, E
Experienced LPN/LVNs have the education and scope of practice to implement hypothermia measures (e.g., cooling blanket, temperature probe) and administer medications under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). Assessment of neurologic status and monitoring the heart rhythm require RN-level education and scope of practice and should be done by the RN.
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