Which task is NOT appropriate to delegate to an LPN for a stable post-operative patient?

Which task is NOT appropriate to delegate to an LPN for a stable post-operative patient?

• A. Wound dressing changes
• B. Vital signs monitoring
• C. Ongoing assessment of stability
• D. Routine removal of drains if within scope

Answer: (C)

Understanding delegation: LPNs can handle routine, prescribed tasks and data collection under the supervision of an RN. For a stable post-operative patient, tasks like wound dressing changes, monitoring vital signs, and routine drain removal fall into that category when within scope and facility policy. What isn’t appropriate to delegate is the ongoing assessment of the patient’s stability. That requires integrating all data, noticing subtle or evolving changes, interpreting trends, and deciding when to escalate or adjust the plan of care. This level of clinical judgment and decision-making is the responsibility of the RN. So the task that best fits as not delegable is the ongoing assessment of stability.

Understanding delegation: LPNs can handle routine, prescribed tasks and data collection under the supervision of an RN. For a stable post-operative patient, tasks like wound dressing changes, monitoring vital signs, and routine drain removal fall into that category when within scope and facility policy. What isn’t appropriate to delegate is the ongoing assessment of the patient’s stability. That requires integrating all data, noticing subtle or evolving changes, interpreting trends, and deciding when to escalate or adjust the plan of care. This level of clinical judgment and decision-making is the responsibility of the RN. So the task that best fits as not delegable is the ongoing assessment of stability.