Question

As the nurse manager, when you hold staff members responsible for their actions and require them to document on flow sheets such tasks as intake, output, and personal care, which of the following terms applies?

1. Responsibility
2. Empowerment
3. Accountability
4. Delegation

Answer 1

The term that applies when a nurse manager holds staff members responsible for certain documentation is accountability. Accountability is crucial in healthcare for maintaining high-quality care and patient safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse manager holds staff members responsible for documenting tasks such as intake, output, and personal care on flow sheets, the term that applies is accountability. Accountability in a healthcare setting means that healthcare providers are expected to take responsibility for their actions and to ensure that their documentation and patient care meet the required standards. On the other hand, responsibility refers to nurses' obligation to perform certain tasks, empowerment involves giving them the authority and means to perform those tasks effectively, and delegation is the act of assigning tasks to others. In the case provided, the nurse manager is enforcing accountability by requiring precise and consistent documentation, which is essential for maintaining patient safety and delivering high-quality care.