Section 21.411. Interpretations regarding the general functions of registered nurses—statement of policy

The following nursing practices fall within the scope of registered nurse practice under § 21.11 (relating to general functions):

(1) Collection of arterial and venous blood samples.

(2) Collection of arterial and venous blood samples from indwelling arterial/venous catheters.

(3) Arterial puncture for blood samples in infant intensive care units.

(4) Vaginal examination using a speculum to include:

(i) Testing for ruptured membranes.

(ii) Doing Pap smears.

(iii) Doing cervical smears.

(5) Application of intraocular pressure reducer.

(6) Internal fetal monitoring including the application of leads.

(7) Insertion of nasogastric tubes.

(8) Insertion and removal of enteric double or multilumen tubes with or without mercury bags.

(9) The changing of an outer tracheostomy tube after stoma is healed.

(10) The change of an cystostomy tubes.

(11) The changing of a gastrostomy tube when stoma is healed.

(12) Removal of sutures.

(13) Use of hypnosis.

(14) Surgical debridement of decubiti.

(15) The programming of permanent pacemakers.

(16) Documenting the fact that a patient has died.

The provisions of this § 21.411 adopted February 20, 1987, effective February 21, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 811; amended November 4, 1988, effective November 5, 1988, 18 Pa.B. 4996; amended December 15, 1989, effective February 14, 1990, 19 Pa.B. 5315; amended June 21, 1991, effective June 22, 1991, 21 Pa.B. 2817. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (143338) to (143339).