Which pediatric assignment is most appropriate for an LPN/VN?

The most appropriate assignment for an LPN/VN involves caring for a stable patient who requires assistance with activities of daily living and health management, rather than round-the-clock assessments or interventions. A 10-year-old child with paraplegia who is in for bowel training represents a situation where the nursing care primarily focuses on established bowel routines and education, which is within the scope of practice for an LPN/VN.

LPNs/VNs are trained to provide care for stable patients and support in rehabilitation processes. In this case, the child’s condition is stable, and the tasks involved can typically be managed by an LPN/VN, such as facilitating bowel program compliance or assisting with self-care tasks.

In contrast, the other scenarios involve patients who are either critically ill or require complex assessments. A 2-year-old with asthma and dehydration may present immediate medical needs requiring thorough nursing assessments, which are more suited to registered nurses. The 3-month-old with potential septicemia is in a potentially life-threatening situation, requiring constant monitoring and potential interventions that exceed the LPN/VN’s scope. Lastly, a child in Buck's traction for a femur fracture may need more complex nursing assessments and interventions that also align more with the skills of registered