Editing LPN Delegation and Reporting (section)

== Reporting Findings to the RN ==

The LPN is frequently the first person to see a change. Timely reporting is the LPN's central safety contribution.

Findings that require prompt reporting to the RN include:

* Any change in level of consciousness, new confusion, or new neurologic deficit.
* Vital signs outside ordered parameters or trending away from baseline.
* New or worsening chest pain, dyspnea, or decreased oxygen saturation.
* New or uncontrolled bleeding, or a significant drop in urine output.
* Pain that is new, severe, or unrelieved by the ordered regimen.
* A suspected adverse drug reaction, allergic reaction, or medication error.
* A fall, injury, or any incident involving a patient.
* Signs of infection, including new fever, purulent drainage, or wound deterioration.
* A patient refusal of a treatment or medication, and any request that requires a change in the plan of care.
* Anything the LPN cannot explain, or any instinct that the patient is worsening.

Report objective data. Describe what was measured and observed rather than offering a nursing diagnosis or an interpretation the LPN is not authorized to make.