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An RN and a licensed practical nurse (LPN) are caring for a client who has a small bowel obstruction and is NPO with a nasogastric (NG) tube set to continuous suction. Which of the following tasks should the RN perform?

  • A. Administer IV fluids
  • B. Assess for bowel sounds every 2 hours
  • C. Monitor NG tube output
  • D. Reposition the NG tube
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The RN's scope of practice includes assessments requiring clinical judgment, such as evaluating bowel sounds to determine hypoactive, normal, or hyperactive states, which informs the care plan for a small bowel obstruction. This task demands interpretive skills beyond the LPN's role, which focuses on data collection (e.g., listening for sounds) rather than analysis. Administering IV fluids, monitoring NG tube output, and repositioning the tube are within the LPN's capabilities under RN supervision, as they involve technical execution rather than diagnostic reasoning. The RN's expertise ensures accurate assessment of bowel function, critical for detecting complications like perforation or resolution of the obstruction, guiding subsequent interventions, and maintaining client safety in a condition requiring precise monitoring and decision-making.