Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

To help a nurse decide if a task is within his or her individual scope of practice, a prudent nurse should

1. ask a physician whether the nurse should perform the assigned task

2. consider utilizing the Scope of Practice Decision-Making Model

3. engage in the assigned task as long as the nurse has seen someone else perform the task at least once

4. obtain a list of tasks a nurse may perform from the BON

The correct answer is: ask a physician whether the nurse should perform the assigned task

The most appropriate approach for a nurse to determine if a task is within their individual scope of practice involves utilizing the Scope of Practice Decision-Making Model. This model provides a structured framework that helps nurses evaluate various factors, such as the legal and ethical implications of performing a specific task, their own competencies, the context of the situation, and how the task aligns with existing standards of practice. While seeking input from a physician could be beneficial in some circumstances, it does not replace the need for the nurse to understand their own scope of practice. Engaging in a task based solely on prior observation does not guarantee that the nurse possesses the necessary skills or understanding to perform it safely and competently. Relying on a list of tasks from the Board of Nursing (BON) similarly falls short, as it does not consider the unique circumstances or competencies of the individual nurse. In summary, using the Scope of Practice Decision-Making Model empowers nurses to make informed decisions about their practice, ensuring they operate within their limitations and provide safe, effective care.