,Chapter 01 — Pharmacology and the
Nursing Process in LPN Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS —
USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem
An LPN is preparing to give a new oral antihypertensive to a
stable patient. Which step of the nursing process is the LPN
performing when checking the patient's current blood
pressure, heart rate, and medication allergies before
administration?
Options
A. Planning
B. Assessment
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer
B. Assessment
Rationale
Correct: Assessment involves collecting baseline data (vital
signs, allergies, medication history) to inform safe medication
administration. This step identifies patient factors that
influence drug choice and dosing.
A incorrect: Planning follows assessment and would involve
setting goals or selecting interventions, not initial data
,collection.
C incorrect: Implementation is the action of administering
the medication after assessment and planning are complete.
D incorrect: Evaluation occurs after administration to
determine effectiveness and adverse effects.
Teaching Point
Always complete a focused assessment before administering
medications.
2.
Chapter 2 — Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING
PROCESS — USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem
A nurse leader asks an LPN to monitor a patient recently
started on digoxin for signs of toxicity and to report concerns.
Which action best demonstrates using clinical judgment in
this delegated task?
Options
A. Documenting only scheduled heart rate readings.
B. Assessing apical pulse and reporting if <60 bpm or if visual
changes occur.
C. Withholding all medications until the RN arrives.
D. Asking the patient how they feel and not charting the
response.
, Correct Answer
B. Assessing apical pulse and reporting if <60 bpm or if visual
changes occur.
Rationale
Correct: Digoxin toxicity presents with bradycardia and visual
disturbances; assessing apical pulse and reporting critical
findings shows application of knowledge and clinical
judgment.
A incorrect: Simply documenting scheduled readings without
interpreting or reporting abnormal findings fails to use
judgment.
C incorrect: Withholding all medications is unnecessary and
may harm the patient; delegation included monitoring, not
refusal of administration.
D incorrect: Asking without documenting or escalating
abnormal responses neglects professional obligation to
report and record findings.
Teaching Point
Monitor drug-specific early warning signs and report
abnormal findings promptly.
3.
Chapter 2 — Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING
PROCESS — USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Nursing Process in LPN Practice
Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING PROCESS —
USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem
An LPN is preparing to give a new oral antihypertensive to a
stable patient. Which step of the nursing process is the LPN
performing when checking the patient's current blood
pressure, heart rate, and medication allergies before
administration?
Options
A. Planning
B. Assessment
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
Correct Answer
B. Assessment
Rationale
Correct: Assessment involves collecting baseline data (vital
signs, allergies, medication history) to inform safe medication
administration. This step identifies patient factors that
influence drug choice and dosing.
A incorrect: Planning follows assessment and would involve
setting goals or selecting interventions, not initial data
,collection.
C incorrect: Implementation is the action of administering
the medication after assessment and planning are complete.
D incorrect: Evaluation occurs after administration to
determine effectiveness and adverse effects.
Teaching Point
Always complete a focused assessment before administering
medications.
2.
Chapter 2 — Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING
PROCESS — USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
Stem
A nurse leader asks an LPN to monitor a patient recently
started on digoxin for signs of toxicity and to report concerns.
Which action best demonstrates using clinical judgment in
this delegated task?
Options
A. Documenting only scheduled heart rate readings.
B. Assessing apical pulse and reporting if <60 bpm or if visual
changes occur.
C. Withholding all medications until the RN arrives.
D. Asking the patient how they feel and not charting the
response.
, Correct Answer
B. Assessing apical pulse and reporting if <60 bpm or if visual
changes occur.
Rationale
Correct: Digoxin toxicity presents with bradycardia and visual
disturbances; assessing apical pulse and reporting critical
findings shows application of knowledge and clinical
judgment.
A incorrect: Simply documenting scheduled readings without
interpreting or reporting abnormal findings fails to use
judgment.
C incorrect: Withholding all medications is unnecessary and
may harm the patient; delegation included monitoring, not
refusal of administration.
D incorrect: Asking without documenting or escalating
abnormal responses neglects professional obligation to
report and record findings.
Teaching Point
Monitor drug-specific early warning signs and report
abnormal findings promptly.
3.
Chapter 2 — Section: THE LPN/VN’S ROLE AND THE NURSING
PROCESS — USING THE CLINICAL JUDGMENT MODEL
