A practical nurse (PN) is planning to delegate feeding a client who had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) 3 days ago and has residual right-sided weakness. Arrange the following actions in the chronological sequence the PN should perform to ensure safe delegation and collaboration.
- 1Review the electronic health record to confirm the speech therapist has cleared the client for a mechanical soft diet.
- 2Ask the assistive personnel (AP) about their previous experience feeding clients with right-sided weakness.
- 3Instruct the assistive personnel (AP) to maintain the client's head of bed at a 90-degree angle during the meal.
- 4Check on the client and the assistive personnel (AP) shortly after the meal has begun to observe the feeding process.
- 5Document the client's dietary intake and tolerance after receiving the post-meal report from the assistive personnel (AP).
Answer
The correct chronological sequence for delegation is: verify the task appropriateness in the chart, assess the AP's competency, provide specific instructions, supervise the ongoing task, and finally document the outcome.
Safe and effective delegation follows a structured sequence based on the Five Rights of Delegation. First, the PN must verify the client's condition and orders to ensure the task is appropriate (Right Task/Circumstance). Second, the PN assesses whether the AP has the necessary skills (Right Person). Third, the PN provides clear, specific instructions on how to perform the task safely, including necessary precautions (Right Direction/Communication). Fourth, the PN monitors the AP's performance to ensure client safety (Right Supervision). Finally, the PN evaluates the client's response and documents the completed care (Right Evaluation).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The delegation process requires sequential steps based on the Five Rights of Delegation: Right Task, Right Circumstance, Right Person, Right Direction/Communication, and Right Supervision/Evaluation.