ATI RN Fundamentals Proctored Focus Can an RN delegate to the LPN to provide tracheostomy care to a client with pneumonia?

The RN should assess the client’s condition and determine whether the task of providing tracheostomy care can be safely delegated to the LPN.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing defines delegation as the act of delegating responsibility to perform a particular task to another individual while still being accountable for its outcome.

The RN must consider these factors when delegating tracheostomy to an LPN.

1. Scope of Practice: The RN should assess the LPN’s scope of practice and ensure that tracheostomy care falls within the LPN’s legal and regulatory scope of practice.
2. Competency: The RN should assess the LPN’s competency in providing tracheostomy care. It is important that the LPN has the necessary knowledge, experience, and skills to safely perform this task.
3. Client Condition: The RN should assess the client’s condition and determine whether tracheostomy care can be safely delegated. If the client requires constant assessment or monitoring, for example, an RN might choose to take care of the tracheostomy themselves.
4. Communication: The RN must ensure there is effective and clear communication between them and the LPN. This includes a thorough understanding of any client information and the tasks to be assigned.

In summary, it may be appropriate for the RN to delegate tracheostomy care to an LPN, provided that the LPN’s scope of practice includes this task, they are competent to perform it, the client’s condition is stable, and there is clear communication between the RN and LPN.