Legal & EthicalQuestion 168 of 200

A nurse asks a CNA to start an IV on a new admission because the unit is short-staffed. The CNA should:

a.Start the IV to help the team
b.Try once and report only if unsuccessful
c.Politely refuse, explain that IV insertion is outside CNA scope of practice in California, and document the request through proper channels
d.Ask another CNA to do it

Explanation

IV insertion is the practice of nursing (BPC §2725) and is outside California CNA scope under Title 22 CCR §71835. A CNA must refuse any task beyond scope, even if directed by a nurse — performing it could harm the resident and is grounds for CDPH certification revocation under HSC §1337.9 and possibly criminal charges for unlicensed practice. The CNA should refuse politely, document, and notify the charge nurse or supervisor. 'Helping' (a) by acting outside scope is unsafe. Delegating to another CNA (d) just shifts the violation.

Law Reference: BPC §2725; Title 22 CCR §71835

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