What is the primary responsibility of an LPN in medication administration?

The primary responsibility of an LPN in medication administration is to administer medications as prescribed and monitor the patient’s response. This role is essential because the administration of medication directly impacts patient safety and care quality. An LPN must ensure that medications are given as per the physician's orders, which includes verifying the correct medication, dosage, route, and timing.

Monitoring the patient's response to medication is equally critical, as it helps in identifying any potential adverse reactions or effectiveness of the treatment. This ongoing assessment allows the LPN to report findings to the healthcare team, ensuring timely interventions if a patient's condition changes.

While preparation of medications is part of the scope of practice for an LPN, it is typically done under supervision and in adherence to specific protocols rather than independently deciding what to prepare. Evaluating the qualifications of the prescribing physician is outside of the LPN's scope of practice, as this responsibility generally falls to other healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses or supervisors. Educating patients about medications is also part of an LPN's role, but it does not encompass the entirety of their responsibilities in medication administration, which focuses primarily on the safe and effective delivery of medications and monitoring of patient responses.