What should an LPN do if they are unable to provide safe and competent care?

What should an LPN do if they are unable to provide safe and competent care?

• A. Self-report and withdraw from care
• B. Continue to provide care
• C. Ask another nurse for assistance
• D. Ignore the issue

Answer: (A)

If a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) recognizes that they are unable to provide safe and competent care, the appropriate course of action, which aligns with professional standards and ethical obligations, is to self-report and withdraw from care. This ensures that patient safety is prioritized above all else. By stepping back, the LPN acknowledges their limitations and avoids putting patients at risk, which is fundamental to nursing ethics and practice. Self-reporting in this context emphasizes responsibility and accountability. It involves recognizing when one does not have the capability, knowledge, or resources to provide the necessary level of care, thus acting in the best interest of the patients. This decision reflects a commitment to professional integrity and adherence to the standards of practice, ultimately protecting the health and well-being of those in their care. Continuing to provide care without the ability to do so safely can lead to adverse outcomes for patients and professional repercussions for the nurse. Asking for assistance from another nurse could be an appropriate step in certain situations, but if the LPN is unable to perform competently, it is critical to withdraw from the situation entirely rather than risk trying to manage without adequate skills or knowledge. Ignoring the issue is not a viable option, as it places patients in jeopardy and goes against the

If a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) recognizes that they are unable to provide safe and competent care, the appropriate course of action, which aligns with professional standards and ethical obligations, is to self-report and withdraw from care. This ensures that patient safety is prioritized above all else. By stepping back, the LPN acknowledges their limitations and avoids putting patients at risk, which is fundamental to nursing ethics and practice.

Self-reporting in this context emphasizes responsibility and accountability. It involves recognizing when one does not have the capability, knowledge, or resources to provide the necessary level of care, thus acting in the best interest of the patients. This decision reflects a commitment to professional integrity and adherence to the standards of practice, ultimately protecting the health and well-being of those in their care.

Continuing to provide care without the ability to do so safely can lead to adverse outcomes for patients and professional repercussions for the nurse. Asking for assistance from another nurse could be an appropriate step in certain situations, but if the LPN is unable to perform competently, it is critical to withdraw from the situation entirely rather than risk trying to manage without adequate skills or knowledge. Ignoring the issue is not a viable option, as it places patients in jeopardy and goes against the