You are caring for a client who has been admitted to the hospital with a leg ulcer that is infected with vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA). Which of these nursing actions can you delegate to an LPN/LVN?
A. Assess risk for further skin breakdown
B. Plan ways to improve the client’s oral protein intake
C. Obtain wound cultures during dressing changes
D. Educate the client about home care of the leg ulcer
Correct Answer: C. Obtain wound cultures during dressing changes.
LPN/LVN education and scope of practice include performing dressing changes and obtaining specimens for wound culture. It is within the scope of practice of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to contribute to the initial assessment of wounds through the gathering and recording of assessment data and to perform basic and advanced wound care in collaboration with the RN or licensed independent practitioner (LIP) on an ongoing basis.
Option A: The scope of practice for the registered nurse will most likely include the legal ability of the registered professional nurse to perform all phases of the nursing process including assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Option B: Only RNs can develop the care plan and make changes, although LPNs can contribute suggestions. All of these skills are taught in nursing school but are not included in the LPN curriculum, which is focused on bedside tasks.
Option D: Teaching is a complex action that should be carried out by a licensed nurse. An LPN can reinforce an RN’s patient teaching, but not perform independent patient education or assessments.