At 0830, a hypertensive client shows a blood pressure of 198/94. What is the best action to delegate to the LPN/LVN at this time?

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Multiple Choice

At 0830, a hypertensive client shows a blood pressure of 198/94. What is the best action to delegate to the LPN/LVN at this time?

The main idea here is what tasks can be safely delegated to an LPN/LVN versus what needs an RN. Administering prescribed medications is within the LPN/LVN scope, provided there are no contraindications and the meds are stable and ordered. In this scenario, the patient has a high blood pressure snapshot but no acute crisis signs described, and there are scheduled antihypertensive doses (furosemide and enalapril) due at 0900. Having the LPN/LVN administer these meds now is appropriate to start the intended treatment promptly, with the RN remaining responsible for ongoing assessment of the patient’s response and any adverse effects. Delaying by rechecking the BP in the opposite arm in 15 minutes would postpone needed therapy. Assessing for pain is typically RN territory, and asking a UAP to reposition the patient doesn’t address the elevated BP. So the action that best fits the LPN/LVN role and the patient’s immediate needs is giving the scheduled medications now, while the RN continues to monitor the patient’s status.

The main idea here is what tasks can be safely delegated to an LPN/LVN versus what needs an RN. Administering prescribed medications is within the LPN/LVN scope, provided there are no contraindications and the meds are stable and ordered. In this scenario, the patient has a high blood pressure snapshot but no acute crisis signs described, and there are scheduled antihypertensive doses (furosemide and enalapril) due at 0900. Having the LPN/LVN administer these meds now is appropriate to start the intended treatment promptly, with the RN remaining responsible for ongoing assessment of the patient’s response and any adverse effects.

Delaying by rechecking the BP in the opposite arm in 15 minutes would postpone needed therapy. Assessing for pain is typically RN territory, and asking a UAP to reposition the patient doesn’t address the elevated BP. So the action that best fits the LPN/LVN role and the patient’s immediate needs is giving the scheduled medications now, while the RN continues to monitor the patient’s status.

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