Editing LPN Skills and Practice Limitations (section)

=== Intravenous therapy ===

IV therapy is the area of greatest state variation, so the exam tends to test only the clear boundary.

* '''IV push or IV bolus medication administration''' is prohibited for LPNs in most states and is the classic NCLEX-PN answer for an out of scope task. A small number of states permit a limited, defined list of IV push medications for LPNs with additional certification.
* Administration and titration of '''high alert or vasoactive infusions''' such as heparin, insulin drips, vasopressors, and antiarrhythmics is generally RN only.
* '''Chemotherapy and other hazardous drug administration''' is generally restricted to RNs with specialty certification.
* '''Total parenteral nutrition''' initiation and management is generally RN only.
* '''Central line''' care, medication administration, and access are restricted for LPNs in many states, and central line insertion assistance and removal are commonly RN or provider functions.
* Peripheral IV insertion, maintenance of routine maintenance fluids, and administration of certain secondary piggyback infusions are permitted for LPNs in a number of states, frequently only after an approved IV therapy course and facility validation. This is state specific and should never be assumed.