Which of the following is typically within the licensed practical nurse scope of practice?

• A. Most medication administrations
• B. Ordering diagnostic tests
• C. Diagnosing new diseases
• D. Performing major surgery

Answer: (A)

LPNs are trained to support ongoing patient care by carrying out medication administration under supervision. This typically includes most oral and topical medications and may include some injections, depending on state rules and the facility’s policies. What they don’t do is diagnose new diseases, order diagnostic tests, or perform major surgery—those tasks require higher levels of licensure and independent authority (such as physicians or advanced practice nurses, and RNs with appropriate supervision). So, medication administration fits the typical LPN scope because it reflects delegated, supervised pharmacologic care rather than independent clinical decision-making or complex procedures. Always check local regulations and facility policies, since specifics about what meds can be given and how injections or IV therapies are handled can vary.