NCLEX-PN Scope of Practice — What LPNs Can and Cannot Do

Hand hygiene is THE single most effective infection prevention measure — repeatedly documented in research. WHO's 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene: (1) BEFORE touching a patient; (2) BEFORE clean/aseptic procedure; (3) AFTER body fluid exposure risk; (4) AFTER touching a patient; (5) AFTER touching patient surroundings. Method: (1) Soap and water for visibly soiled hands, after restroom, after contact with C. difficile or known spore-forming organisms, before eating; wet hands, soap, rub all surfaces 20 seconds (palms, backs, between fingers, fingertips, thumbs, wrists), rinse, dry with paper towel, turn off faucet with towel; (2) Alcohol-based sanitizer (60%+ alcohol) for non-visibly-soiled hands — apply enough to cover all surfaces, rub until dry (~20 seconds); FASTER and often MORE EFFECTIVE than soap/water for non-soiled hands, but NOT effective against C. diff, norovirus (use soap/water instead). Common errors: (1) Skipping moments (especially between patients in a shared room); (2) Inadequate technique (too brief, missing fingertips and thumbs); (3) Recontaminating after washing (touching dirty surfaces, using bare hand to turn off faucet); (4) Skipping when gloves are worn (gloves are NOT a substitute for hand hygiene — perform hand hygiene before donning and after removing gloves). Gloves: appropriate for body fluid risk but not always — overuse wastes resources and can paradoxically increase contamination if not changed between tasks. Sterile technique: only required for sterile procedures (urinary catheterization, central line dressing changes, surgery, etc.) — not for routine care. PPE escalates with transmission risk.

SBAR is the standard structured communication framework in healthcare, especially for nurse-to-physician reports, handoffs, and urgent situations. S = SITUATION — brief statement of the immediate problem: 'I'm calling about Mr. Smith in 412, who has new shortness of breath.' B = BACKGROUND — relevant clinical context: '78-year-old male admitted 2 days ago for CHF exacerbation, history of MI 2020, on furosemide and metoprolol.' A = ASSESSMENT — your findings and clinical concern: 'BP 180/100, HR 110, RR 28, O2 sat 88% on room air, crackles bilaterally, increased work of breathing. I think he may be in acute pulmonary edema.' R = RECOMMENDATION — what you need: 'Could you come evaluate? In the meantime, I'm going to apply oxygen and elevate the head of bed. Do you want a stat chest X-ray and an EKG?' Benefits: (1) Reduces communication errors; (2) Ensures critical information is shared; (3) Empowers nurses to make recommendations; (4) Documented in record; (5) Improves patient safety. Variants: ISBAR (adds Identify yourself first), SBAR-R (adds Repeat-back). Other handoff tools: I-PASS (Illness severity, Patient summary, Action list, Situation awareness, Synthesis). SBAR is the most tested on NCLEX.

Paper chart corrections follow specific legal procedures because the chart is a legal document. Correct method: (1) Single line through the error — DO NOT scribble out, erase, or use white-out; the original entry must remain readable; (2) Write 'error,' 'mistaken entry,' or 'wrong patient' near the lined-out entry; (3) Initial and date the correction; (4) Write the correct entry. Why readable: in legal proceedings, alterations that obscure the original raise questions about tampering and fraud. White-out, scribbling out, tearing pages, or any obliteration looks like cover-up and can severely damage credibility. Electronic charts: most EHRs allow corrections through a specific edit function that retains the original entry as an audit trail — never delete entries, use the correction feature. Late entries: when documenting after the fact, mark as 'late entry,' include current date/time of documentation AND the original date/time of the event ('Late entry: 6/15 1500 documenting care provided 6/14 0900...'). Never document care before performing it ('forward charting' is fraud). Never document for another person. Never share login credentials in electronic systems. The chart is a contemporaneous record of care and the primary defense in malpractice litigation — chart as if you'll defend each entry in court.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) protects patient health information (PHI). Common HIPAA violations: (1) PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS — talking about clients in hallways, elevators, cafeterias, or anywhere unauthorized people can overhear; (2) SOCIAL MEDIA — posting any client information, photos, even vague descriptions that could identify someone; this includes well-intentioned 'sad day at work today, lost a patient' posts; (3) UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS — looking up records of family, friends, celebrities, coworkers, neighbors out of curiosity; EHRs track every access; (4) DISCUSSING WITH UNAUTHORIZED PEOPLE — friends, family of the patient who haven't been authorized, the patient's employer, journalists; (5) UNSECURED COMMUNICATIONS — emails or texts about patients on unencrypted devices; (6) LEAVING RECORDS VISIBLE — leaving paper charts open, computer screens unlocked; (7) DISCLOSURE WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION — sharing records with anyone not directly involved in care, billing, or operations without patient permission. Acceptable disclosures: (1) Treatment team members directly involved in care; (2) Billing and operations; (3) Public health reporting (communicable diseases, child abuse, gunshot wounds, certain other mandatory reports); (4) Legal requirements (court orders, subpoenas with proper authority); (5) Patient-authorized disclosures. Penalties: civil fines $100-$50,000 per violation up to $1.5M/year; criminal penalties up to $250,000 and 10 years imprisonment for malicious or commercial violations; nursing license discipline; employment termination. Each access to a celebrity patient's records by an unauthorized employee can be a separate violation.

UAPs cannot perform initial assessments — especially of unstable clients. Initial assessment requires nursing judgment to identify problems, prioritize, and determine interventions. A client with chest pain has potential life-threatening conditions (MI, PE, dissection, pneumothorax) requiring trained clinical evaluation. Other options are appropriate UAP tasks for stable clients: bathing (basic hygiene), intake/output measurement (data collection, not interpretation), ambulation assistance (with appropriate equipment and patient stability). Five Rights of Delegation applied: (1) Right TASK — assessment is not within UAP scope; (2) Right CIRCUMSTANCE — unstable client requires nurse; (3) Right PERSON — UAP doesn't have clinical training for this; (4) Right DIRECTION — even with directions, the task itself is inappropriate; (5) Right SUPERVISION — UAP wouldn't recognize subtle findings requiring intervention. NCLEX-PN delegation questions: when in doubt about delegating a task involving NEW assessments, unstable clients, teaching, or care plan development — keep it with the LPN or escalate to RN. Tasks UAPs can perform always require: clear instructions, defined expectations, stable client (usually), task within UAP training, supervision available, and the LPN remains accountable for outcomes.

Suicide risk with PLAN + MEANS is a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention. Risk assessment (SAD PERSONS or other tools): higher risk with (S)ex (male higher completion), (A)ge (older), (D)epression, (P)revious attempts, (E)thanol/drug use, (R)ational thinking loss, (S)ocial support absent, (O)rganized plan, (N)o spouse, (S)ickness. Immediate actions for suicidal client with plan and means: (1) DO NOT LEAVE THE CLIENT ALONE — 1:1 observation by trained staff until risk reassessed; (2) NOTIFY — charge nurse, provider, psychiatric consultation team; (3) REMOVE MEANS — secure access to medications (especially the client's own), sharp objects, cords, belts, plastic bags; window restrictions; vehicle keys; (4) DOCUMENT — exact statements, behaviors, interventions, who was notified; (5) THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION — direct, non-judgmental questions ('Are you thinking about killing yourself? Do you have a plan? Do you have access to means?'); listen actively; do not promise to keep it secret; (6) SAFETY CONTRACT (controversial — limited evidence but sometimes used) — verbal or written agreement to not self-harm and to alert staff if urges arise; (7) MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION — typically required for involuntary or voluntary psychiatric admission per state laws; (8) FAMILY/SUPPORT NOTIFICATION — with client permission when possible. Asking about suicide does NOT increase the risk — research consistently shows direct questioning is appropriate and reduces stigma. Once safety is established, ongoing care includes treatment of underlying conditions, safety planning, follow-up.

Medication errors are a leading cause of preventable harm in healthcare. The 'Rights of Medication Administration' (originally 5, expanded to 6-10 depending on source) provide a verification framework: (1) RIGHT PATIENT — two identifiers (name + DOB, name + MRN); never use room number; ask client to state name; check armband; (2) RIGHT MEDICATION — compare order, label, MAR (medication administration record); check three times: when removing from storage, when preparing, before administering; (3) RIGHT DOSE — verify calculation; high-alert medications (heparin, insulin, narcotics, chemo) require independent double-check; (4) RIGHT ROUTE — oral, IV, IM, SC, topical, inhaled, etc.; (5) RIGHT TIME — within 30 min of scheduled time generally; STAT immediately; PRN per orders; (6) RIGHT DOCUMENTATION — chart immediately after administration, not before; include time, route, site (for injectables), patient response; (7) RIGHT REASON — appropriate for client's condition; (8) RIGHT RESPONSE — assess for therapeutic and adverse effects; (9) RIGHT TO REFUSE — respect client autonomy; (10) RIGHT EDUCATION — client understands purpose, side effects, when to report problems. Additional safety checks: verify allergies before EVERY dose; check expiration dates; assess for contraindications (renal function, pregnancy, drug interactions); high-alert medications require special protocols; never crush extended-release or enteric-coated medications; verify NG/G-tube placement before instillation; flush tubes before/after meds. Common errors: wrong patient (failure to use 2 identifiers); look-alike/sound-alike medications; dose calculation errors; route confusion; timing of insulin/glucose-management drugs; failure to check labs (e.g., potassium before giving certain meds, INR before warfarin). When in doubt: STOP and verify. Never give a medication you're uncertain about.

Handoff is one of the highest-risk moments for communication errors and patient harm. Joint Commission and CMS focus heavily on standardized handoff. Essential information to communicate: (1) IDENTIFIERS — name, room, age, diagnoses; (2) CODE STATUS — full code, DNR, DNI, comfort care, with date of confirmation; (3) ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS — type and reason; (4) ALLERGIES; (5) ASSESSMENT — current condition including key findings (vital signs trends, neurological status, respiratory status, GI/GU function, wounds, mobility, mental status, pain); (6) RECENT CHANGES — improvement, deterioration, new concerns; (7) TREATMENTS — IV access (type, location, patency, fluids), drains, tubes, oxygen, dressings; (8) MEDICATIONS — recent administrations (especially within 4 hours, PRNs, last narcotic), upcoming due, scheduled medications, medications held; (9) ORDERS — recent provider visits, new orders, upcoming tests/procedures; (10) PENDING ITEMS — lab results expected, consultations, tests scheduled, anticipated discharge; (11) FAMILY/PSYCHOSOCIAL — family concerns, communication needs, support systems; (12) SAFETY — fall risk, suicide risk, seizure precautions, restraints if any. Tools to standardize handoff: SBAR; I-PASS (Illness severity, Patient summary, Action list, Situation awareness, Synthesis); bedside handoff (Joint Commission recommends this — confirms patient identity, allows visual assessment, includes patient in care planning). Bedside handoff benefits: real-time review of IV sites, drains, dressings; identifies safety issues; reduces errors; involves patient. Avoid: rushed reports; vague descriptions; personal opinions or judgmental language about patients or coworkers; discussing other patients in client rooms. Documentation: handoff is documented in the medical record.

Client advocacy is a core nursing responsibility. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics emphasizes the nurse's role in protecting client rights, dignity, and well-being. Advocacy includes: (1) AUTONOMY SUPPORT — respecting client decisions about their own care, even when nurse disagrees; (2) INFORMATION ACCESS — ensuring clients have accurate, understandable information to make decisions; (3) VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS — speaking up for clients who cannot speak for themselves (unconscious, cognitively impaired, language barriers, intimidated); (4) SAFETY MONITORING — questioning orders that may harm clients (wrong dose, contraindicated medication, inappropriate intervention) rather than just executing; (5) RESOURCE NAVIGATION — connecting clients with social services, financial assistance, support groups, language services, transportation; (6) RIGHTS PROTECTION — ensuring informed consent, privacy, dignity, refusal rights, cultural respect; (7) ETHICAL DILEMMA RESOLUTION — bringing concerns to ethics committee, charge nurse, supervisor when client's interests are at risk; (8) END-OF-LIFE — supporting advance directives, communicating wishes to team, comfort care; (9) COMMUNICATION FACILITATION — ensuring clients can communicate with their care team. Advocacy is NOT: making decisions for competent clients (their right); always agreeing with physicians or peers (sometimes you must respectfully disagree); rescuing clients from their own choices; getting involved in family disputes inappropriately. Conflict can arise: physician orders something client refuses; family wants different care than client; institutional pressures conflict with client interests. Resolution: communicate openly with team, escalate through chain of command (charge nurse, supervisor, nursing director, ethics committee), document concerns, support the client's documented wishes. Advocacy requires courage — speaking up may be uncomfortable but is professionally and ethically required when client well-being is at stake. Whistleblower protections exist for nurses reporting unsafe practices to regulators.

ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) is the foundational priority framework in nursing and emergency care. The order reflects time-to-death: without airway, death in 4-6 minutes (brain damage starts in 3 min); without breathing, similar; without circulation, similar but slightly longer. A — AIRWAY: Is it open? Is it protected (gag reflex, consciousness sufficient to clear secretions)? Signs of compromise: stridor, gurgling, snoring, choking, drooling, inability to speak. Interventions: position (head-tilt-chin-lift, jaw thrust if trauma), suction, oral/nasal airway, intubation. B — BREATHING: Rate (12-20 normal adult), depth, effort, symmetry, oxygenation (SpO2). Signs of compromise: tachypnea/bradypnea, accessory muscle use, retractions, paradoxical chest movement, cyanosis, decreased breath sounds, wheezing/crackles/rhonchi. Interventions: positioning (Fowler's), oxygen, nebulizers, ventilation support, chest tube. C — CIRCULATION: Heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, capillary refill, skin color/temperature, pulses, mental status (early sign of perfusion problems), urine output, bleeding. Signs of compromise: tachycardia/bradycardia, hypotension, weak/absent pulses, cool/pale/diaphoretic skin, altered mental status, delayed cap refill. Interventions: control bleeding, IV access, fluids, vasopressors, CPR if pulseless. Extended frameworks: ABCDE adds D = Disability (neurological assessment), E = Exposure (full body exam, environmental control); ABCDEFG adds F = Fluids/Family, G = Glucose. Maslow's hierarchy supplements ABC: physiological needs (air, water, food, sleep, shelter, warmth) → safety → love/belonging → esteem → self-actualization. When prioritizing among clients: airway problems before breathing before circulation before disability; acute problems before chronic; unstable before stable; new findings before known issues. ABC overrides Maslow when both apply.