Which task should an RN delegate to the LPN in a nursing team?

In the context of delegation within a nursing team, it is crucial to understand the scope of practice for both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). RNs possess a broader scope that includes comprehensive assessment, complex decision-making, and the administration of certain medications, particularly those that require critical thinking or an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.

Administering daily morning medications falls well within the competencies of an LPN, who is trained to administer medications as part of their practice. LPNs can manage routine medications and are equipped to ensure proper protocol is followed, which aligns with the structured and systematic nature of daily medication administration. This task does not typically require the advanced decision-making skills that an RN must employ and is suitable for the LPN's scope of practice.

The other options involve tasks that may either require a higher level of critical thinking or assessment skills or are generally considered within the domain of duties that LPNs may not be appropriately trained or authorized to perform independently. For instance, tasks such as suctioning a client who is postoperative often necessitate a more in-depth knowledge of the patient's condition and potential complications, which is typically the domain of an RN.

By delegating the administration of medications to