Which licensed health care professional has completed a 1- to 2-year nursing program and licensure exam and administers medications, treatments, and may supervise daily care?

• A. Registered Nurse (RN)
• B. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
• C. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• D. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Answer: (B)

Licensed Practical Nurses complete a 1- to 2-year nursing program and pass a licensure exam, then provide hands-on care that includes administering medications and treatments. They also often supervise daily care tasks performed by other aides under the oversight of a registered nurse or physician. This role sits between the more limited CNA duties and the more advanced responsibilities of a registered nurse or nurse practitioner.

This is different from a registered nurse, who finishes longer education (associate or bachelor’s degree) and typically has broader responsibilities, including more complex assessments and a wider scope of medications. It’s distinct from a certified nursing assistant, who provides basic daily care but does not administer medications. And it’s different from a nurse practitioner, who is an advanced practitioner with graduate-level training and the ability to diagnose conditions and prescribe medications independently in many settings.