What is a key difference between a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a nursing assistant?

The correct choice highlights the ordered relationship between nursing personnel and emphasizes the roles and responsibilities within a healthcare team. A nursing assistant indeed functions under the supervision of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs), receiving direction on patient care tasks. This structure allows for a clear hierarchy where the nursing assistant performs basic care tasks like bathing, feeding, and help with mobility, while the LPN, equipped with advanced training and licensure, can implement nursing procedures and create care plans.

Understanding the responsibilities of each role is crucial in a clinical setting. LPNs are trained to perform more complex tasks, including monitoring patient health, administering medications, and providing wound care, which underscores the enhanced level of direct patient care they provide compared to nursing assistants.

The other options present scenarios that do not accurately reflect the scope of practice for nursing assistants. For instance, nursing assistants do not have the authority to prescribe medications or assist with specialized medical procedures; these functions are strictly reserved for licensed professionals who have undergone extensive training and hold the proper credentials to ensure patient safety and care quality.