In a functional model of nursing, which team member is eligible to administer oral medications to clients?

In a functional model of nursing, the administration of oral medications to clients is within the scope of practice for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). LPNs are trained and authorized to perform certain nursing tasks, including the administration of medications, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or other healthcare providers. This is due to their education and certification, which include pharmacology and the safe administration of medications as part of their foundational training.

Both Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners are indeed qualified to administer medications, but the question specifically seeks to identify the team member whose role primarily encompasses these duties in a functional nursing team setup. Unlicensed Assistive Personnel do not have the training or authority to administer medications, which further highlights the appropriate role of the LPN in this scenario. Therefore, the focus on the LPN's responsibilities in medication administration aligns with the functional model's delegation of specific tasks based on each team member's credentials and training.