The nurse has delegated the task of obtaining vital signs on a new adm

The nurse has delegated the task of obtaining vital signs on a new admission to a UAP (unlicensed assistive personnel). The task is completed, but the vitals were not recorded accurately. Who is fully responsible for this action?

1. The UAP
2. The nurse
3. Both the UAP and the nurse
4. The nurse manager on the unit

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: While taking vital signs was an appropriate task to delegate to the UAP, the responsibility of the action–in this case, the inaction since the vitals were recorded inaccurately-is not fully assumed by the UAP.
Rationale 2: While taking vital signs was an appropriate task to delegate to the UAP, the responsibility of the action-in this case, the inaction since the vitals were recorded inaccurately-remains with the nurse.
Rationale 3: While taking vital signs was an appropriate task to delegate to the UAP, the full responsibility of the action-in this case, the inaction since the vitals were recorded inaccurately-remains is not shared by both the UAP and the nurse.
Rationale 4: Delegating this task was not the responsibility of the nurse manager and so the responsibility of the action is not his/hers.