Which task is included in the LPN scope of practice?

Which task is included in the LPN scope of practice?

• A. Trach care/suctioning
• B. Providing order entry
• C. Administering IV meds
• D. Performing radiologic imaging

Answer: (A)

Trach care and suctioning fall within the practical nurse scope because they are routine airway-maintenance tasks that nurses are trained to perform under established protocols and supervision. An LPN can help keep the airway clear, clean the inner cannula, manage suctioning equipment, and monitor respiratory status, all while recognizing signs of distress and reporting them promptly to the RN or physician. This supports airway patency and infection prevention without changing the patient’s plan of care. The other activities require higher-level authority or specialization: entering orders is a prescriber/registered clinician function, administering IV medications is typically restricted to RNs (or requires specific state authorization), and performing radiologic imaging is the domain of radiologic technologists. This is why trach care and suctioning is the task that aligns with the LPN scope.

Trach care and suctioning fall within the practical nurse scope because they are routine airway-maintenance tasks that nurses are trained to perform under established protocols and supervision. An LPN can help keep the airway clear, clean the inner cannula, manage suctioning equipment, and monitor respiratory status, all while recognizing signs of distress and reporting them promptly to the RN or physician. This supports airway patency and infection prevention without changing the patient’s plan of care.

The other activities require higher-level authority or specialization: entering orders is a prescriber/registered clinician function, administering IV medications is typically restricted to RNs (or requires specific state authorization), and performing radiologic imaging is the domain of radiologic technologists. This is why trach care and suctioning is the task that aligns with the LPN scope.