California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

Which of the following actions is within the scope of practice for nurses?

1. Delegating medication assistance to unlicensed staff

2. Preparing medications in advance for assistants

3. Administering 'as needed' medications

4. Changing medication labels without a prescription

The correct answer is: Administering 'as needed' medications

The administration of 'as needed' medications falls well within the scope of practice for nurses. This is an important aspect of nursing care, as nurses are trained to assess patient needs, understand medication protocols, and administer medications appropriately. When a medication is prescribed as 'as needed', it often requires the nurse to make clinical judgments regarding the timing and need for the medication based on the patient's condition and response. This level of assessment and decision-making is a fundamental part of nursing practice. Additionally, administering medications requires a thorough understanding of pharmacology, patient safety, and potential side effects, which are all integral parts of a nurse's education and training. This responsibility showcases the nurse's role in ensuring effective patient care and monitoring the outcomes of medication administration.