Author Question: For patient care to be completed in a safe and timely manner, it is sometimes necessary for the ... (Read 68 times)

RRMR · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

For patient care to be completed in a safe and timely manner, it is sometimes necessary for the nurse to delegate tasks to other health care providers. The ANA describes delegation as:

a. a transfer of authority to a less-qualified individual.
b. the nurse transferring accountability to the delegate.
c. the transfer of tasks by the nurse while retaining accountability.
d. transferring responsibility for assessments and planning.

Question 2

Which of the following has been done improperly?

a. The UAP re-delegates vital signs to the student nurse.
b. The RN delegates assistance with bathing to the student nurse.
c. The RN delegates monitoring of intake and output to the UAP.
d. The RN delegates assistance with mobility to the UAP.

Briannahope · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
For patient care to be completed in a safe and timely manner, it is sometimes necessary for the nurse to delegate tasks to other health care providers. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers support in this process. In their joint statement (ANA and NCSBN, 2005), the ANA describes delegation as the transfer of responsibility, and the NCSBN calls it a transfer of authority. This transfer gives a competent individual the authority to perform a selected nursing task in a selected situation. The nurse retains accountability for the delegation. Any significant findings during the care such as alterations in skin integrity, shortness of breath, or changes in a patient's condition should be reported to the nurse. The nurse is then responsible for assessing the alterations and addressing them in the plan of care.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The person to whom the assignment was delegated cannot delegate that assignment to someone else. If the person cannot carry out the assignment, the individual needs to notify the delegating RN so that the task may be reassigned or completed by the RN. The RN must remember to delegate tasks that do not require nursing judgment. Only tasks that are routine such as bathing, monitoring intake and output, and assisting with mobility, and do not require variation from a standardized procedure should be delegated.