Advanced Medical‑Surgical CJE Practice Exam

In the context of delegating care tasks for a client on peritoneal dialysis, assigning the task of administering polyethylene glycol to the LPN/LVN is appropriate due to the scope of practice guidelines for nurses at this level. LPNs/LVNs are trained to perform certain procedures and administer specific medications and treatments under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or physician.

Administering polyethylene glycol, often used to promote bowel regularity and potentially address constipation, falls within the LPN/LVN's competencies, assuming that they have the necessary training and that the administration aligns with the established care plan. This task does not require advanced assessment skills or critical decision-making, which would be needed for more complex procedures or high-risk interventions.

In contrast, obtaining vital signs is a more basic nursing task that generally can be delegated but does not involve management of complex therapy like peritoneal dialysis. Assessing the catheter site requires a higher level of clinical judgment and assessment skills to identify potential complications, which is typically the responsibility of an RN. Providing diet education entails a responsibility that includes comprehensive teaching and assessment of the patient's understanding, which also aligns more closely with the skill set of an RN.