What tasks are typically handled by a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)?

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is primarily responsible for providing technical or hands-on care to patients. This includes tasks such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily living activities, administering medications, and providing basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.

LPNs are trained to perform specific clinical skills that require direct patient interaction, which allows them to play a vital role in healthcare teams. Their training focuses on patient care rather than broader assessments or management tasks, which helps to define the scope of their responsibilities within healthcare settings.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical duties of an LPN. For instance, performing nutritional assessments is generally within the realm of dietitians or registered nurses who focus on comprehensive patient evaluations. Driving a hearse is unrelated to nursing duties and is associated with funeral services. Managing surgical supplies is typically a task for surgical technicians or nurses rather than LPNs, who focus more on patient care than on inventory management or logistics in surgical settings.