NCLEX Prioritization, Delegation, And Assignment Practice Test

The main concept is that blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration are medication-related tasks that require licensed nursing judgment and facility-approved policies. These procedures involve more than just obtaining a glucose value; they require interpreting the result, knowing when to give or adjust insulin, recognizing signs of hypo- or hyperglycemia, and responding appropriately. That level of clinical decision-making and patient safety responsibility is within the scope of practice for licensed nurses. The best answer is that the RN or LPN (as allowed by policy) under physician and facility guidelines should perform these tasks. Nurses have the training to verify orders, select the correct procedure and equipment, confirm patient identity, ensure timing relative to meals, and monitor the patient afterward. They can interpret glucose readings in the context of the overall care plan and take necessary actions, such as holding insulin or notifying the physician, based on established protocols. The UAP does not have the authority to administer insulin or adjust dosing, because doing so requires licensure, clinical assessment, and the ability to respond to potential adverse events.