Which activity can RN safely delegate to an LPN?

Monitoring vital signs in a stable, chronic condition patient is a task that an RN can safely delegate to an LPN. This activity is within the scope of practice for LPNs, who are trained to assess vital signs and report any significant changes to the RN. Since the patient is in a stable, chronic condition, the task does not require the level of clinical judgment or expertise that only an RN possesses.

In contrast, administering IV medications for a complex condition typically involves a higher level of assessment and decision-making, which is generally outside the LPN's scope of practice. Assessing patient understanding of discharge instructions requires a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's knowledge, which is best suited for an RN who can provide a deeper level of education and clarification. Conducting a comprehensive assessment on admission is also primarily an RN's responsibility due to the complexity and critical nature of gathering extensive patient data for establishing care plans.