An experienced LPN/LVN under the supervision of the RN is caring for a patient with a respiratory problem. Which action is within the LPN's scope of practice?

• A. Completing in-depth admission assessment
• B. Checking oxygen saturation using pulse oximetry
• C. Auscultating breath sounds
• D. Developing the nursing care plan

Answer: (B)

Understanding scope of practice is essential: an LPN/LVN works under the RN and performs routine data collection and monitoring, not the initial comprehensive assessment or the nursing care plan.

Measuring oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter fits the LPN role as a straightforward, ongoing monitoring task under supervision. It provides a critical data point about current oxygenation and can guide immediate care decisions without requiring the RN to perform a full assessment or develop the plan.

An in-depth admission assessment involves a comprehensive history, physical examination, and risk assessment that are responsibilities of the RN. Developing the nursing care plan is also an RN-level responsibility, requiring higher-level clinical decision-making. Auscultating breath sounds is an assessment skill that may be performed by an LPN in many settings, but the most clearly appropriate action for ongoing supervision is obtaining pulse oximetry readings.