Tag: Nursing scope of practice

Under federal law, specifically the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a medical screening exam (MSE) must be conducted by a "qualified medical person," and for certain conditions, this can include a trained and authorized Registered Nurse (RN). The question of **can a nurse perform a medical screening exam?** depends on their level of licensure, specialized training, and the policies of their employing hospital or clinic. While an RN can perform a screening assessment under the right conditions, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) generally cannot perform the initial comprehensive exam, and an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) has a much broader scope, including the authority to diagnose.

Intraosseous (IO) access is a critical procedure for delivering fluids and medications in emergency situations when venous access is difficult or impossible to obtain. While often associated with physicians and paramedics, many people wonder: **can nurses put in an IO?** The answer is yes, a registered nurse (RN) can insert, maintain, and remove an IO device, provided they have received specific training and demonstrated competency, and it falls within their state's nurse practice act and facility policy.

According to data from nursing boards, a registered nurse's scope of practice, which dictates whether an **RN is allowed to intubate**, can vary drastically based on location, employer, and individual training, making this a nuanced and highly specific authorization.

Pericardial drains are crucial medical devices used to remove excess fluid from the heart's protective sac. The question of who is authorized to perform their removal often arises in the context of general health inquiries, and clarifying the specific medical protocol is vital. So, can a nurse remove a pericardial drain?

According to the Institute of Medicine, preventable medical errors are a leading cause of death and injury, a statistic that underscores the critical importance of nursing standards. This article explores essential areas defining **what are things nurses should not do**, focusing on best practices that protect patients and uphold professional integrity.

According to the University of Virginia School of Medicine, appropriately trained non-physicians, including nurses, can safely replace established PEG tubes in certain settings. So, **can nurses replace peg tubes**? The answer is nuanced, depending heavily on specific protocols, training, and the patient's condition.