In a patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm, which prescription can be delegated to the LPN?

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Multiple Choice

In a patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm, which prescription can be delegated to the LPN?

This item tests delegation and scope of practice: which task is appropriate for an LPN to perform for a patient with a serious vascular condition. The key is to match a procedure that is routine, non-complex, and can be done under supervision with sterile technique, to support ongoing monitoring without requiring an RN-level intervention. Inserting a urinary catheter to obtain hourly urine outputs is a standard, routine procedure that many LPNs are trained to perform under supervision. It provides precise, continuous data on urine output, which is crucial for assessing perfusion and kidney function in a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. A Foley catheter allows reliable hourly measurement and monitoring, making this a task commonly delegated to an LPN when the patient’s condition is stable and there are appropriate orders and supervision. Placing a PICC line involves central venous access and advanced sterile technique, and it typically requires an RN or higher credentialing. Administering morphine via a PCA pump involves programming and ongoing assessment of pain control and respiratory status, which also generally falls outside the LPN scope in many settings. While vital signs are regularly monitored by LPNs, the most clearly appropriate delegation among these options—given the need for accurate hourly output data in this clinical scenario—is the urinary catheter insertion for hourly urine outputs.

This item tests delegation and scope of practice: which task is appropriate for an LPN to perform for a patient with a serious vascular condition. The key is to match a procedure that is routine, non-complex, and can be done under supervision with sterile technique, to support ongoing monitoring without requiring an RN-level intervention.

Inserting a urinary catheter to obtain hourly urine outputs is a standard, routine procedure that many LPNs are trained to perform under supervision. It provides precise, continuous data on urine output, which is crucial for assessing perfusion and kidney function in a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. A Foley catheter allows reliable hourly measurement and monitoring, making this a task commonly delegated to an LPN when the patient’s condition is stable and there are appropriate orders and supervision.

Placing a PICC line involves central venous access and advanced sterile technique, and it typically requires an RN or higher credentialing. Administering morphine via a PCA pump involves programming and ongoing assessment of pain control and respiratory status, which also generally falls outside the LPN scope in many settings. While vital signs are regularly monitored by LPNs, the most clearly appropriate delegation among these options—given the need for accurate hourly output data in this clinical scenario—is the urinary catheter insertion for hourly urine outputs.

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