5 Rights of Delegation
Ensuring the task matches the staff member's competency refers to which right?
Right Person
A nurse asks a CNA to administer the patient's scheduled oral medications. Is this appropriate?
NO!
A postpartum patient is preparing for discharge and places her newborn into a car seat for the first time. The CNA reports they can “go check how the baby is positioned in the car seat and make sure it looks right,” and asks if that’s okay because the nurse is busy with another patient.
No- Car seat safety assessment is not within CNA scope.
A visitor becomes verbally aggressive toward staff, refuses to leave the unit, and makes threatening statements.
Escalate- Security!
T or F: Delegation should always include clear expectations and when to report back?
True!
Providing clear instructions refers to which right?
Right direction or communication
A patient is nauseated. The RN delegates the LPN to administer IVP Zofran. Appropriate?
Yes!
A patient with a Stage II pressure ulcer needs to be turned every two hours. The RN has already assessed the wound earlier in the shift and determined there are no new changes. Can this be delegated?
The repetitive task itself is appropriate to delegate.
A stable patient reports mild nausea and asks for a basin and cool cloth.
Delegate- Routine comfort measures
Who defines the nursing scope of practice in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma Legislature and the Oklahoma Board of Nursing
Following up after a delegated task refers to which right?
Right supervision or evaluation
The Charge RN delegates the LPN to push an IV vasoactive drug (per the order) for the patient who has a very low BP reading. Is this appropriate?
No! This is not included in the LPN privilege for IV therapy at SMC.
A patient arrives from the ER at 1900. The RN delegates the LPN to complete the full admission assessment & physical so the RN can complete another task. Is this, ok?
No! RNs must do the initial physical assessment.
The CNA informs the nurse that the patient's face is drooping and they are slurring their speech?
Escalate! A rapid response should be called immediately!
Which communication method helps ensure instructions are understood?
Closed loop communication
Delegating a task appropriate for the situation refers to which right?
Right Circumstance
A patient is to receive a blood transfusion. The nurse delegates the nursing assistant to run downstairs and pick up the blood product from the blood bank, but the nurse will start it. Is this, ok?
No!
A CNA with current BLS certification finds a patient unresponsive and not breathing. The CNA initiates a Code Blue and immediately begins CPR while shouting for help. Did they act within their scope?
Yes!
A CNA who is BLS certified is expected and permitted to start CPR when finding an unresponsive patient.
A family member accuses a staff member of mistreatment and demands to speak to someone other than the nurse.
Escalate to management.
If a member of the team feels uncomfortable with a delegated task, what should they do?
Speak up and request clarification or assistance
This delegation right ensures that what is being delegated is appropriate for the situation and within the person's scope of practice.
Right Task
True! Policy: Intravenous medication therapy for licensed practical nurses
This part of care planning involves determining patient goals and is reserved for registered nurses only.
What is creating the care plans
A patient with diabetes needs reinforcement of how to check their blood sugar after the RN taught it yesterday and the task is delegated to the LPN. Is this, OK?
Yes-
LPN can reinforce previously taught education
Poor communication when delegating can lead to what?
Unclear instructions, errors, or incomplete tasks.