Question

the nurse and the lpn/lvn provide care to clients on the medical floor. which task can the nurse delegate to the lpn/lvn?

1. teaching a client about colostomy care.
2. adding an intervention to the nursing care plan.
3. administering a tap - water enema to a client.
4. adding potassium to an existing iv infusion.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Teaching about colostomy care requires patient education skills and critical thinking for individualization, which is typically within the RN's scope, not LPN/LVN.
• Option 2: Modifying the nursing care plan involves assessment, planning, and critical decision - making, which is an RN - level responsibility.
• Option 3: Administering a tap - water enema is a routine technical task that falls within the scope of practice for an LPN/LVN, as it is a standard nursing procedure.
• Option 4: Adding potassium to an IV infusion is a high - risk task (due to the potential for severe complications like hyperkalemia) and requires the assessment and judgment of an RN.

Answer:

1. Administering a tap - water enema to a client.