Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 64%
Simulated
A nurse is teaching a class about providing care within the legal scope of practice to a group of nurses. The nurse should include that which of the following procedures is outside the legal scope of practice for an RN?
Correct answer
Inserting tunneled catheters requires advanced training, unlike tracheostomy care, transfusions, or ear irrigation, which are within RN scope.
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Inserting a tunneled central venous catheter. This procedure is outside the legal scope of practice for an RN because it requires specialized training and certification beyond the standard RN education. RNs do not typically have the necessary expertise or authority to perform this invasive procedure safely. In contrast, changing the inner cannula on a tracheostomy, administering a platelet transfusion, and irrigating an external ear canal are all within the legal scope of practice for RNs as they are considered routine nursing procedures that fall within their training and licensure. Therefore, inserting a tunneled central venous catheter is the correct answer as it requires advanced training and is beyond the typical responsibilities of an RN.