multi class comparison
Delegation Scope Matrix: RN vs LPN vs UAP — What Each Can and Cannot Do
Delegation questions appear repeatedly on the NCLEX, and the wrong answer usually means you gave assessment or teaching to someone without that scope. Over-delegating endangers the patient; under-delegating wastes resources and signals you don't understand the RN leadership role.
Comparison
Side-by-side3 compared
Comparevs
Dimension
RN
LPN / LVN
UAP / CNA
Assessment
- ★Performs & interprets; cannot delegate
- Collects data only; does not interpret
- Cannot assess; reports observations to RN
Patient teaching
- Develops & delivers all education
- May reinforce teaching the RN started
- Cannot teach; may remind of instructions
Care planning / evaluation
- Creates, modifies & evaluates the plan
- Contributes data; cannot create or revise
- No role in care planning
Medication administration
- All routes
- PO / routine meds to stable patients
- Cannot administer medications
IV therapy & blood
- ★Starts IV, pushes meds, titrates, gives blood
- May monitor IV; cannot push, titrate, or hang blood
- No IV or transfusion tasks
Patient acuity
- Unstable, unpredictable, newly admitted
- Stable, predictable patients
- ADLs on stable patients only
Typical delegated tasks
- Delegates to LPN & UAP; retains accountability
- Routine dressings; stable chronic trach care
- Bathing, feeding, toileting, ambulating, I&O
Assessment
RN
- ★Performs & interprets; cannot delegate
LPN / LVN
- Collects data only; does not interpret
Patient teaching
RN
- Develops & delivers all education
LPN / LVN
- May reinforce teaching the RN started
Care planning / evaluation
RN
- Creates, modifies & evaluates the plan
LPN / LVN
- Contributes data; cannot create or revise
Medication administration
RN
- All routes
LPN / LVN
- PO / routine meds to stable patients
IV therapy & blood
RN
- ★Starts IV, pushes meds, titrates, gives blood
LPN / LVN
- May monitor IV; cannot push, titrate, or hang blood
Patient acuity
RN
- Unstable, unpredictable, newly admitted
LPN / LVN
- Stable, predictable patients
Typical delegated tasks
RN
- Delegates to LPN & UAP; retains accountability
LPN / LVN
- Routine dressings; stable chronic trach care
★ marks the fact that sets a column apart.
Clinical Pearl
If the task requires clinical judgment — assess, teach, evaluate, or unstable — it stays with the RN.
⚡ Speed Sort This Table
Swipe to sort 42 clinical items into the right bucket