According to the RN scope of practice, all of the following are appropriate services except which activity?

• A. Administering insulin subcutaneously
• B. Changing a dressing
• C. Obtaining vital signs
• D. Prescribing medications

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is understanding what registered nurses are allowed to do under their scope of practice. RNs provide direct patient care, including administering medications that have been ordered, changing dressings, and taking or monitoring vital signs. Prescribing medications, however, requires prescriptive authority and is reserved for physicians or advanced practice nurses (with authorized prescribing rights) and certain other prescribers. Therefore, the activity that is not appropriate for an RN is prescribing medications. The other tasks—administering insulin by subcutaneous route, changing a dressing, and obtaining vital signs—are all standard nursing responsibilities when done under proper orders and protocols.