Safe, Effective Care Environment
70. A staff RN and a nurse's aide are caring for six clients. The RN delegates the following assignments to the nurse's aide: vital signs, baths, and intake and output for all clients. What is the RN's accountability for the delegated work?
. Assume that the nurse's aide has completed the assignment.
. Communicate with the nurse's aide every hour as to the status of the assignment.
. Ask the clients if they have received appropriate care from the nurse's aide.
. Define client parameters to the nurse's aide that must be reported to the RN.
Test-Taking Tip
Three of the options are inappropriate (Answers 1 and 3) or unrealistic (Answer 2). Look at the verbs to help select the best option for the concept of accountability; "assume" (no!); "communicate" and "ask" (too similar); "define" (yes!).
Content Area: Management of Care, Delegation; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Management of Care/Delegation
Safe, Effective Care Environment
.
Answer 1 is incorrect because the nurse's aide may not communicate the status of the assignment to the RN, or may be hesitant to report uncompleted work. The RN cannot assume. Answer 2 is incorrect because, depending on the condition of the clients, the time interval between communications may vary. Answer 3 is incorrect because the clients may not be aware of the care needed. Answer 4 is correct because setting definite parameters will guide the nurse's aide as to the priorities and what should be reported to the RN.