Can a licensed practical nurse assist in performing a needle decompression for a tension pneumothorax?

It is within the scope of practice of the appropriately prepared and competent licensed practical nurse to assist an authorized health care practitioner, or a registered nurse, to perform needle decompression for a tension pneumothorax, following clinical practice standards. The licensed practical 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.