Which client's care can the RN delegate to the LPN?

The ability for a Registered Nurse (RN) to delegate care to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is primarily based on the complexity of the client's condition and the required interventions. In this scenario, the client experiencing dental pain represents a situation that is generally stable and less complex compared to the other clients with more acute or complicated conditions.

The LPN is well-qualified to manage expected, routine care for clients who are stable and do not require extensive assessment or critical decision-making. Dental pain typically implies a subjective symptom that can be managed through existing protocols or medications, allowing the LPN to provide effective care without the need for in-depth clinical judgment or complex interventions.

In contrast, the other clients either have complex medical histories, acute conditions, or require intensive monitoring, which necessitate a higher level of clinical expertise and judgment that falls within the RN's scope of practice. Thus, delegating to an LPN for the client with dental pain ensures that tasks are assigned appropriately, based on the skills and competencies of the nursing staff while maintaining patient safety and effective care.