Delegation Rules
What are the 5 rights of delegation?
Right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction/communication, and right supervision/evaluation
Name two tasks appropriate for a UAP.
Vital signs, bathing, ambulation, feeding (stable patient), I&O
What does ABC stand for in prioritization?
Airway, Breathing, Circulation
A patient with a fever of 101°F or a patient with no urine output for 8 hours?
No urine output for 8 hours – sign of acute kidney issue
Taking vital signs for a stable patient — delegate?
Yes – UAP can take vitals on a stable patient
What does “Don't delegate what you EAT” stand for?
Evaluate, Assess, Teach
Can an LPN administer IV medications?
Depends on the state. In many states, LPNs can’t push IV meds.. NCLEX purpose no.
What is the first priority based on Maslow’s hierarchy?
Physiological needs (food, water, oxygen, etc.)
A diabetic with a blood sugar of 400 or a COPD patient requesting a breathing treatment?
Blood sugar of 400 – life-threatening hyperglycemia
Teaching how to self-administer insulin — delegate?
No – Teaching is the RN’s responsibility
True or False: RNs can delegate an unstable patient’s care to an LPN.
False – Unstable patients require RN care
Who can perform patient education: RN, LPN, or UAP?
Only RNs can perform initial and comprehensive teaching
Between pain and airway obstruction, which is the priority?
Airway obstruction is the priority
A post-op patient complaining of chest pain or one requesting pain meds for 5/10 pain?
Post-op chest pain – could be PE/MI
Feeding a stroke patient with dysphagia — delegate?
No – Dysphagia requires RN or SLP supervision
What must the RN always retain when delegating?
Accountability – The RN is still responsible for the outcome
Can an LPN assess a new post-op patient?
No – New assessments must be done by an RN
What does "safety" mean in prioritization?
Preventing harm — e.g., fall risks, medication errors
A new admit or a patient ready for discharge?
New admit – needs initial assessment
Suctioning a trach — delegate?
Yes, but only LPN – NOT UAP
What part of the nursing process can never be delegated?
Assessment, Nursing Diagnosis, and Planning
Which staff member can insert a Foley catheter?
LPNs can insert Foley catheters (depends on facility policy)
List three signs of a patient who is unstable.
New onset chest pain, sudden change in LOC, uncontrolled bleeding
A confused elderly patient or one complaining of nausea?
Confused elderly patient – risk for falls or delirium
Reinforcing wound care education — delegate?
Yes – LPN can reinforce previously taught education by the RN