Question

Difficulty: EasyAssignment, Delegation and Supervision

A registered nurse (RN) is preparing to delegate a routine clinical task to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Arrange the following steps of the delegation process in the correct chronological order.

  1. 1Assess the client's stability and identify the specific task to be delegated.
  2. 2Verify the UAP's competency and scope of practice to perform the task.
  3. 3Provide clear and specific directions regarding the task and expected outcomes.
  4. 4Evaluate the completed task and the client's response.

Answer

The correct sequence for the delegation process is: 1) Assess the client and identify the task, 2) Verify the UAP's competency, 3) Provide clear directions, and 4) Evaluate the outcome.
Delegation is a systematic process based on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) guidelines. It begins with the RN assessing the client to ensure the task is appropriate (Right Task/Right Circumstance). Next, the RN must verify that the chosen delegatee is competent (Right Person). Then, the RN must communicate explicit instructions (Right Direction/Communication). Finally, the RN must supervise and assess the outcome (Right Supervision/Evaluation).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the initial assessment phase.
The nurse must first assess the client's stability and determine if a task is safe to delegate.
The RN retains accountability for the client and must ensure the 'Right Task' and 'Right Circumstance' before proceeding.
2
Determine the step involving the delegatee's qualifications.
The nurse verifies the UAP's competency and scope of practice.
This fulfills the 'Right Person' principle of delegation, ensuring the UAP is capable of performing the specific task.
3
Locate the communication phase.
The nurse provides clear, specific directions and expected outcomes to the UAP.
This aligns with the 'Right Direction/Communication' principle, ensuring the UAP knows exactly what to do and when to report back.
4
Identify the final evaluation phase.
The nurse evaluates the completed task and the client's overall response.
The RN maintains ultimate accountability for client care and must evaluate the results of the delegated task.

Key Concept

The delegation process requires sequential application of the Five Rights of Delegation: assessing the situation, determining delegatee competency, communicating clearly, and finally evaluating the outcome.
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