Which procedure is within the scope of practice for a newly licensed nurse?

Monitoring a continuous intra-arterial infusion is a procedure that falls within the scope of practice for a newly licensed nurse. This task involves observing and managing the equipment used for the infusion, checking the patient's response, and ensuring that the infusion is functioning correctly. It requires a foundational level of nursing knowledge and skills, which new nurses are equipped with upon graduation and licensure.

The other options involve responsibilities that are typically outside the scope of practice for a newly licensed nurse. For instance, prescribing medications requires a higher level of authority and is usually reserved for advanced practice nurses or physicians. Performing surgical procedures is fundamentally a task that should be done by surgeons or specialized healthcare providers. Diagnosing medical conditions also requires extensive training and is typically performed by licensed medical professionals such as physicians. Therefore, monitoring a continuous intra-arterial infusion is both an appropriate and critical responsibility for newly licensed nurses as they begin their practice.