The nurse is caring for a client who requires an intervention the nurs

QUESTION

The nurse is caring for a client who requires an intervention the nurse does not know how to perform. Can the nurse delegate this intervention to another person?

1. No; the nurse should delegate only activities that he or she would be willing and able to do.
2. No; the nurse must transfer the accountability and responsibility for this client to another nurse who knows how to do the skill.
3. Yes; there is no requirement for the nurse to have personal knowledge or expertise in the skill.
4. Yes, but the nurse must then learn to perform the skill within a “reasonable” period of time.

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 3

There is no requirement for the nurse to have personal knowledge or expertise in a delegated skill, nor is there a requirement for the nurse to learn that skill. The nurse also is not required to transfer total care of the client to another registered nurse. Examples of such skills might be delegating food choice selection to a dietician.