Standard Nursing Protocols

This section provides detailed examples of standard nursing protocols that licensed practical nurses follow in a wide range of clinical settings. Patient preparation protocols outline steps for verifying identity, confirming allergies, reviewing orders, and preparing the environment for safe care. Basic monitoring protocols describe how LPNs collect vital signs, assess pain, observe mental status, and document findings in a timely manner. Specimen handling protocols explain how to label, store, and transport samples such as urine, stool, or swabs while maintaining chain of custody and preventing contamination. Post procedure recovery protocols describe how LPNs monitor patients after minor procedures, assess for discomfort or dizziness, reinforce aftercare instructions, and escalate concerns to supervising nurses. These protocols help ensure consistent, safe, and efficient care within the LPN scope.

Adapting Protocols for Patients

This section explains how LPNs adapt standard protocols to meet the needs of diverse patient populations while following facility policy and supervision requirements. Pediatric patients may require age appropriate communication, distraction techniques, and modified vital sign ranges. Geriatric patients may need additional time for mobility, assistance with positioning, and closer monitoring for confusion or fall risk. Patients with limited mobility may require special lifting devices, repositioning schedules, and careful skin assessments. LPNs must recognize when a patient deviates from expected recovery patterns and escalate concerns promptly. Adapting protocols safely requires awareness of scope, collaboration with supervising nurses, and accurate documentation.

Handover and Escalation

This section outlines clear handover elements and escalation triggers that support safe transitions of care. Effective handover includes patient identifiers, current status, recent changes, medications administered, pending tests, and any concerns requiring follow up. Escalation triggers include sudden changes in vital signs, new pain, altered mental status, unexpected bleeding, or difficulty breathing. LPNs must communicate these findings promptly to registered nurses or physicians and document the escalation clearly. Structured handover tools help ensure that important information is not missed and that patients receive timely and appropriate care.