The nurse is working on a postsurgical floor with an LPN. A new client has just arrived. Which task is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the LPN?

  1. taking the client’s vital signs
  2. flushing the client’s PICC line with heparin
  3. administering morphine 2 mg IV push for pain
  4. starting total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to the client’s PICC line
Number 1 is correct.
Rationale: Taking vital signs is within the scope of practice for LPNs. Flushing central lines and hanging TPN to a PICC line is beyond the scope of practice for an LPN. Administering IV medications should only be done by the registered nurse, as LPNs are not licensed to do so.