Understanding the LPN/VN role: collecting admission data is the right task.

Which task is appropriate for a charge nurse to assign to a LPN/VN?

• A. Collect data on a new client admit.
• B. Administer morphine IVP to a two-day post-op client.
• C. Bolus feeding a client who has a gastrostomy tube.
• D. Monitor patient control analgesic (PCA) pump pain medication being delivered to a client.

Answer: (A)

The assignment of collecting data on a new client admit is appropriate for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Vocational Nurse (VN) because it involves gathering essential information under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). This task is within the scope of practice for LPNs/VNs, as they are trained to conduct initial assessments, gather medical histories, and document vital signs, all of which are fundamental components of the admission process. In contrast, some of the other tasks mentioned require a higher level of clinical judgment or advanced training that typically belongs to registered nurses. For example, administering morphine intravenously involves more complex nursing responsibilities, including assessing for pain and potential side effects, which goes beyond the LPN’s scope. Similarly, bolus feeding through a gastrostomy tube and monitoring a PCA pump also involve more intricate patient management skills that may require an RN’s expertise to ensure safety and proper intervention if complications arise.

Who does what on the care team? A quick guide to scope, safety, and solid patient care

Let’s start with a simple question that trips people up in clinical settings: who is allowed to do what? Then we’ll connect the dots with a real-life example that helps clarify why certain tasks sit in the hands of LPNs/VNs and others belong to RNs. If you’re brushing up on the kind of decisions you’ll see in Hurst readiness materials, you’re in the right lane—this isn’t about memorizing tricks, it’s about understanding roles so patients stay safe and care flows smoothly.

A case study to frame the scene

Imagine a new client rolls into a unit. The nurse team needs to establish a baseline, begin documenting, and figure out what’s next. Now, consider these four possible tasks:

A. Collect data on a new client admit.

B. Administer morphine IVP to a two-day post-op client.

C. Bolus feeding a client who has a gastrostomy tube.

D. Monitor patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump pain medication being delivered to a client.

Which of these is appropriate for an LPN/VN to handle under appropriate supervision? If you picked A, you’re right. If you paused and thought about A but felt a tug toward “more responsibility,” you’re in the right neighborhood too—we’re just unpacking why this choice makes sense.

Why the admission data task fits an LPN/VN scope

First things first: what does “collect data on a new client admit” entail? In many health care settings, this means gathering initial information that sets the stage for the care plan. An LPN/VN is often trained to perform a focused initial assessment, collect and document vital signs, obtain a medical history, and note current medications and allergies. All of this happens under the supervision of an RN who uses that information to guide the next steps.

Think of it like the first impression you’d want in any relationship—clear, respectful, and accurate. The patient is new, the chart is fresh, and the team needs dependable baseline data to recognize changes quickly. LPNs/VNs are well prepared for that early work: they know which questions to ask, how to document consistent data points, and how to flag anything that looks out of the ordinary.

The line between data collection and clinical judgment

Here’s where the line shines a bit in sharper relief. Collecting data is not just ticking boxes; it’s about accuracy, safety, and escalation when needed. It requires clinical judgment to recognize when a blood pressure spike, a new fever, or a history of chronic illness might influence the plan of care. LPNs/VNs are trained for that initial judgment, but the deeper clinical decisions—interpreting the data in the context of a complex medical picture and altering orders—typically advance to the RN’s purview.

This is not a “one-size-fits-all” rule written in stone, either. Real-world practice varies a bit by facility, state regulations, and the written policies that spell out what supervision looks like on a given unit. The core idea, however, is consistent: the LPN/VN role in admission data collection is to establish a reliable foundation, under the oversight that ensures patient safety and appropriate escalation when a red flag appears.

Why some other tasks require a higher level of training

Let’s walk through the other options to see why they aren’t typically delegated to an LPN/VN in most settings, at least not without explicit supervision and a carefully defined plan.

Option B: Administer morphine IVP to a two-day post-op client

This task involves more than just handing out medication. It requires a careful pain assessment, monitoring for side effects such as respiratory depression, sedation, and potential interactions with other drugs. IV administration also demands knowledge of dosing, rate of administration, and the ability to respond quickly if the patient shows signs of adverse effects. That combination of assessment, critical thinking, and crisis management is why this task is usually reserved for an RN (or a nurse authorized with explicit physician orders and supervision). It’s a safety-first call.

Option C: Bolus feeding a client who has a gastrostomy tube

Enteral feeding, especially bolus feeds via a gastrostomy tube, is a step up in risk. It requires careful assessment of tube placement, residuals, GI tolerance, and the potential for aspiration. The feeding process is often watched closely by an RN, and in some cases a specially trained LPN/VN under direct supervision might perform certain checks, but the standard expectation is that the more complex plasma-level decisions and rapid intervention plans live with the RN. The goal is to keep the airway protected and the digestion on track, which sometimes means hands-on assessment and nursing judgments that go beyond data collection alone.

Option D: Monitor a PCA pump delivering pain medication

PCA pumps are convenient for patients, but they require ongoing monitoring and interpretation. The nurse must assess pain scores, watch for over-sedation or respiratory compromise, ensure the pump settings are appropriate, and intervene if the patient’s needs change. This kind of monitoring and adjustment leans toward a responsibility that’s often assigned to an RN, occasionally with a collaborative plan that involves LPN/VN support under supervision. The key idea here is vigilance and the capacity to interpret evolving clinical signals—skills that are central to RN roles.

Putting it simply: safety, supervision, and the care continuum

What ties all these threads together is patient safety and the care continuum. LPNs/VNs shine when they’re gathering the essential, time-sensitive information that forms the patient’s baseline. They bring consistency, warmth, and precision to the admission process, which helps the whole team move forward with confidence. RNs bring the higher-level clinical judgment, complex assessment, and the ability to adjust plans based on the big picture.

If you’re studying materials from Hurst readiness resources with an eye toward understanding real-world practice, you’ll notice this pattern: tasks that are foundational, data-focused, and well within a supervised framework are often the stamp of the LPN/VN scope. Tasks that involve fluid clinical judgment, rapid assessment of risk, or decision-making about the next intervention are typically the RN territory. It’s a rhythm that keeps the care consistent and the patient safer.

A few practical ways to think about this in everyday care

• Start with the patient’s story. The admit data collection is where you listen first—medical history, allergies, current medications, and the reason they’re here. Getting that story right is the groundwork for everything that follows.

• Document with clarity. Accurate notes aren’t just for the chart; they’re a roadmap for every clinician who’ll touch the patient. Clear vitals, precise timestamps, and legible entries reduce confusion and speed up good decisions.

• Watch for red flags. The moment something doesn’t look right, the right person should notice—often the RN, who can escalate appropriately. That’s why supervision matters; it’s about a safety net that protects patients.

• Collaborate with the team. The care environment is a living system. The LPN/VN and RN roles aren’t competing—they’re complementary. Clear communication, mutual respect, and well-defined task boundaries keep care smooth.

Common sense, not just a rulebook

There’s a lot of “what if” in nursing, and that’s healthy. What if the patient’s vitals spike? What if the admission data reveals a chronic condition that changes the plan? What if a gastrostomy tube is at risk of dislodgement? In all these moments, the team relies on a shared understanding of who should do what, when to escalate, and how to document the decision-making process. That shared mental model doesn’t just keep patients safe; it also helps new staff fit in quickly and confidently.

A few quick takeaways you can carry into any shift

• The most appropriate task for an LPN/VN during admission is data collection: gathering vital signs, medical history, allergies, and current medications under RN oversight.

• Tasks requiring detailed pain management decisions, high-risk therapies, and rapid intervention are typically RN responsibilities, with LPN/VN support as appropriate under supervision.

• The boundary between roles is there to protect patients, not to create friction. Strong teamwork and clear communication make the boundary productive, not punitive.

• Always document thoroughly and escalate when data suggests a change in risk. That’s the backbone of safe, reliable care.

A few friendly reminders as you navigate

If you’re reading materials that focus on readiness for nursing roles, keep in mind the big picture: patient safety, team coordination, and a calm, methodical approach to care. It’s not about guessing which answer will “get you through” a scenario; it’s about understanding how a well-functioning team uses each member’s strengths. That understanding translates into better patient experiences, less confusion at the bedside, and more confidence for you as a caregiver.

And yes, the nuance matters. A well-timed question to a supervising RN can prevent a misstep; a precise data entry can save a patient from an unnecessary delay in treatment. The small decisions add up. They’re what makes a care team feel seamless even when the day throws a curveball.

The road ahead

Whether you’re brushing up on clinical knowledge or just trying to make sense of the daily workflow on a busy unit, this lens helps you see the logic behind task assignments. It’s not about pocketing a badge of “who does what.” It’s about ensuring that every patient has a consistent, safe, and compassionate experience, guided by a clear structure and the people who know how to use it.

If you’re exploring ready-to-use resources that frame nursing roles in a practical, real-world way, you’ll find that the core ideas stay the same. Recognize the admit data task as a prime example of LPN/VN scope, respect the complexities that push other tasks to RN, and keep your focus on patient safety and teamwork. That combination isn’t flashy, but it’s powerful—a steady engine that keeps care steady, even on the busiest days.

Quick recap for busy days

• A: Collect data on a new client admit — appropriate for LPN/VN under RN supervision.

• B: Administer morphine IVP — more complex, needs RN oversight.

• C: Bolus feeding via gastrostomy — requires careful assessment and often RN involvement.

• D: Monitor PCA pump — requires vigilant monitoring and potential RN intervention.

If this makes sense in your head, you’re well on your way to a confident, patient-centered approach to care. The work isn’t about memorizing traps; it’s about knowing how a cohesive team functions, with each member playing to their strengths. And that, more than anything, helps everyone—patients and staff—sleep a little easier at night.