Is it within the scope of the registered nurse to perform needle decompression for a tension pneumothorax?

It is within the scope of practice of the appropriately prepared and competent registered nurse to perform needle decompression for a tension pneumothorax under the direction of an authorized health care practitioner, following clinical practice standards. The registered nurse should use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if these activities are within the nurse’s legal and individual scope of practice.