A client who has frequent watery stools and a possible Clostridium difficile infection is hospitalized with dehydration. Which nursing action should the charge nurse delegate to an LPN/LVN?
A. Assess the client’s hydration status
B. Explain the purpose of ordered stool cultures to the client and family
C. Administer metronidazole (Flagyl) 500 mg PO as ordered to the client
D. Review the client’s medical history for any risk factors for diarrhea
Correct Answer: C. Administer metronidazole (Flagyl) 500 mg PO as ordered to the client
LPN/LVN education and scope of practice and education include the administration of medications. The administration of medications is recognized as the responsibility of the Registered Nurse (RN) and *Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). All orders for medications must be legible, complete, and non-ambiguous.
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: Teaching is a complex activity 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.
Option D: Assessment of risk factors for diarrhea should be done by a licensed nurse. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) may not perform an initial assessment. Initial assessments are to be performed by a Registered Nurse (RN). The initial assessment is to be used to determine a patient’s baseline and develop an initial nursing plan of care.