Question 1

According to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, there are five factors that a nurse should assess when making a decision to delegate nursing tasks. These factors are assessing the potential for harm, the complexity of the task, the amount of problem solving and innovation required, the unpredictability of the outcome, and the:

Accepted Answer

A)   amount of time that the task will take.
B)   degree of comfort the delegatee has with the task.
C)   level of patient interaction.
D)   method of measuring outcomes. C

Question 2

Which of the following colleagues would a nurse typically delegate to in the health care setting? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Nurse apprentices
B)   Personal care attendants
C)   Family members at bedside
D)   Physicians
E)   Nursing assistants A, B, E

Question 3

When making a decision to delegate a nursing task, which of the following factors are assessed? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Potential for harm
B)   Complexity of the task
C)   Amount of problem solving required
D)   Predictability of the outcome
E)   Level of patient interaction A, B, C, E

Question 4

When the licensed nurse makes a determination to delegate a task, which of the following occurs in the process? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   The nurse assesses the situation and need for delegation.
B)   A plan for specific task delegation is established.
C)   The needs of the nurse are considered.
D)   The nurse determines the available resources and patient safety.
E)   Accountability is transferred to the manager.

Question 5

The provision of guidance or direction, evaluation, and follow-up by the licensed nurse for accomplishment of a nursing task delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is:

Accepted Answer

A)   authorization.
B)   delegation.
C)   observation.
D)   supervision.

Question 6

Individuals who are trained to help the registered nurse (RN) in the provision of patient-client care activities as delegated by and under the supervision of the RN are known as:

Accepted Answer

A)   certified assistive personnel.
B)   health care assistive personnel.
C)   medical assistive personnel.
D)   unlicensed assistive personnel.

Question 7

Leadership style may be a significant barrier to effective delegation. Which of the following describes the "invincible" style? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Prefers to do everything themselves so as not to transfer control.
B)   Wants to be everyone's friend.
C)   Comes across as a pushover.
D)   Often stays late to complete documentation.
E)   Micromanages the UAP.

Question 8

The process for a nurse to direct another person to perform nursing tasks and activities is:

Accepted Answer

A)   authorization.
B)   delegation.
C)   empowerment.
D)   supervision.

Question 9

Delegating requires clear and skillful _____ to avoid liability.

Accepted Answer

A)   negotiation
B)   communication
C)   corrective action
D)   planning

Question 10

Which principles are important to consider when an RN delegates tasks to UAP? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Tasks are delegated that will challenge the UAP to use critical thinking.
B)   Assess the condition and stability of the patient.
C)   Delegate tasks that are within the expertise of the RN, particularly if the UAP is a student.
D)   Evaluate the complexity of the task.
E)   Determine the potential for harm to the patient.

Question 11

Which staff member should be assigned to a dying client who is experiencing symptoms of emotional distress?

Accepted Answer

A)   UAP who can be spared to sit with the client
B)   LPN/LVN who has grown attached to the family
C)   RN who has experience as a hospice nurse
D)   Newly graduated RN

Question 12

Which of the following are the responsibilities of the delegatee in a situation? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Corrective action
B)   Own acts
C)   Accepting the delegation
D)   Appropriate notification and reporting
E)   Accomplishing the task

Question 13

When determining that delegation of an element of patient care needs to occur, the nurse delegates with a clear, concise description of the task, including its objectives, limits, and expectations. The nurse allows the delegate to clarify without fear of repercussion. Which of the following five rights of delegation is being demonstrated?

Accepted Answer

A)   Right task
B)   Right circumstance
C)   Right person
D)   Right direction/communication
E)   Right supervision/evaluation

Question 14

When considering whether to delegate a task, the nurse needs to assess the patient and:

Accepted Answer

A)   how many nurses are available to supervise.
B)   how complex the delegated action is.
C)   the severity level of the patient population.
D)   the expiration date of the license.

Question 15

If a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) provides discharge teaching, who is ultimately responsible?

Accepted Answer

A)   Chief executive officer
B)   Institution where the LPN/LVN works
C)   Risk manager
D)   UAP

Question 16

The nurse has asked a nurse's aide to greet a postoperative patient who has just arrived on the unit and to determine whether he is in stable condition. This act of delegation is an example of a nurse inappropriately delegating:

Accepted Answer

A)   assessment of the patient.
B)   evaluation of an intervention.
C)   nursing judgment.
D)   teaching to a delegate.

Question 17

The process of delegation may be undermined in the health care setting as one member of the team moves work in a downward direction. What are some of the reasons for delegatees to resist responsibility? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Lack of ability to direct
B)   Fear of criticism for mistakes
C)   Overwhelming workload
D)   Lack of confidence
E)   Lack of resources

Question 18

The charge nurse is making assignments on a surgical unit. Which client should be assigned to the least experienced nurse?

Accepted Answer

A)   Client who had a vaginal hysterectomy and still has an indwelling catheter
B)   Client who had an open cholecystectomy and has gray drainage in the T-tube drainage tube and bag
C)   Client who had a hip replacement and stated that something popped while walking
D)   Client who had a Whipple procedure and is reporting being thirsty all the time

Question 19

With regard to delegation, what organizational principles are considered? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Legal guidelines and policies
B)   Patient safety and accountability
C)   Relationship management and patient support
D)   Cost containment
E)   Knowledge and education

Question 20

Being answerable to oneself and others for one's own choices, decisions, and actions as measured against a standard is:

Accepted Answer

A)   accountability.
B)   authority.
C)   supervision.
D)   delegation.

Exam 9: Delegation in Nursing