Author Question: A nurse says, I am always worried that I will be liable if someone I delegate a task to does ... (Read 82 times)

jayhills49 · **on:** Jul 8, 2018

A nurse says, I am always worried that I will be liable if someone I delegate a task to does something that hurts the client. What is the manager's best response to this concern?

1. You have lots of liability in your position as an RN.
2. The hospital will support you as long as you follow your job description.
3. You are at greater liability if you try to do everything yourself.
4. As long as you follow the five rights of delegation, your liability is minimal.

Question 2

A nurse enters a client's room and sees a visitor threatening the client. The nurse questions the visitor in a nonthreatening manner. The visitor begins to threaten the nurse. What should the nurse do in this situation?

1. Keep a safe distance from the visitor.
2. Yell for another nurse to assist with the visitor.
3. Leave the room.
4. Threaten the visitor with assault charges.

aloop · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 8, 2018

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale 1: The RN does have liability associated with job responsibilities, but if delegation is done correctly, liability is minimized. This response is not supportive of the RN's need to delegate.
Rationale 2: Hospital support is never a given when liability situations occur. This is not a response that would be supportive of the nurse's need to delegate.
Rationale 3: This is not necessarily an accurate statement.
Rationale 4: The five rights of delegation outline accepted measures to take when delegating tasks. If these rights are followed, the nurse has fulfilled job responsibilities. The delegate is responsible for his or her own care.
Global Rationale:

Answer to Question 2

1
Rationale 1: The nurse should recognize threatening behavior and keep a safe distance from the visitor exhibiting the behavior.
Rationale 2: The nurse should obtain assistance but yelling may increase the visitor's aggression.
Rationale 3: The nurse should not leave the client unless it is absolutely necessary to obtain assistance.
Rationale 4: Threatening the visitor with assault charges may further escalate the situation.
Global Rationale: