NURSING TEST TAKING STRATEGY XI: Use the Guidelines for Delegating and Assignment Making

Use the Guidelines for Delegating and Assignment Making

A. You may be asked a question that will require you to decide how you will delegate a task or assign clients to other health care providers.

B. Focus on the information in the question and what task or assignment is to be delegated.

C. Once you have determined what task or assignment is to be delegated, consider the client’s needs and match the client’s needs with the scope of practice of the health care providers identified in the question.

D. That nurse practice act and any practice limitations define which aspects of care can be delegated and which must be performed by the registered nurse.

E. Generally, Non-invasive interventions such as skin care range of motion exercises, ambulation, grooming, and hygiene measures can be assigned to a nursing assistant.

F. A licensed practical nurse can perform the tasks that a nursing assistant can perform an additionally can perform certain invasive tasks such as dressings, suctioning, urinary catheterization, and administering medications orally or by subcutaneous or intramuscular injections.

G. The registered nurse can perform the tasks that a nursing assistant can perform the tasks that a licensed practical nurse can perform and is responsible for assessment and planning care, supervising care, initiating teaching, and administering medications intravenously.


PRACTICE QUESTION: the Guidelines for Delegating and Assignment Making

A nurse is planning the client assignments for the day and has a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and a nursing assistant on the nursing team. Which client would the nurse most appropriately assign to the LPN?

1. A client with stable congestive heart failure who has early stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. A client who was treated for dehydration and is weak and needs assistance with bathing.
3. A client with emphysema who is receiving oxygen at 2L by nasal cannula and becomes dyspneic on exertion.
4. A client who is scheduled for an electrocardiogram and a chest x-ray

Answer: 3

Test-Taking Strategy: The nurse would most appropriately assign the client with emphysema to the LPN. This client has an airway problem and has the highest priority needs from the clients presented in the options. The clients described in option 1, 2, and 4 can be cared for appropriately by the nursing assistant. Remember to match the client’s needs with the scope of practice of the health care provider.