List three (3) responsibilities a PN nurse can complete within their scope of practice when working on a Medical Surgical Unit. 

List three (3) responsibilities a PN nurse can complete within their scope of practice when working on a Medical Surgical Unit.

• ​Discuss the purpose of informed consent.

• ​When documenting client information, list characteristics of well-defined objective documentation.

• Please list and discuss the indications and steps used during endotracheal suctioning.

​Identify three (3) findings which may indicate an older adult client is at higher risk for falls?

​A student nurse asks when self-examination should begin of the testes. What information should the instructor reinforced about this examination?

​A nurse is checking the pulse oximetry of a client who is on 2 liters of oxygen by nasal cannula. The finger probe is showing 89% oxygen saturation. List three (3) reasons the pulse oximetry may register a low reading.​

ANSWER

Responsibilities of a Practical Nurse (PN) on a Medical Surgical Unit

Introduction

When working on a Medical Surgical Unit, practical nurses (PNs) have a range of responsibilities within their scope of practice. These responsibilities are essential for providing safe and effective care to patients. In this essay, we will discuss three key responsibilities that PNs can complete when working on a Medical Surgical Unit.

Patient Assessment

One of the primary responsibilities of a PN on a Medical Surgical Unit is conducting patient assessments. This involves collecting vital signs, gathering health history information, performing physical examinations, and documenting relevant findings. By conducting thorough assessments, PNs can identify any changes in the patient’s condition, detect potential complications, and communicate important information to the healthcare team. This information is crucial for developing appropriate care plans and ensuring that patients receive the necessary interventions.

Medication Administration

Another significant responsibility of PNs on a Medical Surgical Unit is medication administration (Patel, 2023). PNs are responsible for verifying medication orders, preparing and administering medications, and closely monitoring patients for any adverse reactions or medication interactions. It is essential for PNs to have a strong understanding of medication administration principles, proper dosage calculations, and the potential side effects of different medications (Hanson, 2022). They must follow medication safety protocols, ensure accurate medication documentation, and educate patients about their medications.

Collaborative Care

PNs on a Medical Surgical Unit work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients. They communicate with registered nurses, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team to ensure the coordination of care (O’Daniel, 2008). PNs may assist in implementing care plans, monitoring patients’ progress, and reporting any changes or concerns to the appropriate personnel. Collaboration and effective communication are vital to ensure that patients receive optimal care and that their individual needs are met.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, PNs on a Medical Surgical Unit have several important responsibilities within their scope of practice. Patient assessment, medication administration, and collaborative care are three key areas where PNs contribute to the overall well-being of patients. By fulfilling these responsibilities effectively, PNs help ensure that patients receive high-quality care, experience positive health outcomes, and have a safe and comfortable hospital stay.

References

Hanson, A. (2022, September 5). Nursing Rights of Medication Administration. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560654/ 

O’Daniel, M. (2008, April 1). Professional Communication and Team Collaboration. Patient Safety and Quality – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2637/

Patel, N. M. (2023, April 26). Parasympathomimetic Medications. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554534/