Final answer:
The registered nurse is responsible and accountable for nursing practice even when delegating tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel, guided by principles of autonomy and beneficence.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the American Nurses Association, the registered nurse (RN) is always responsible and accountable for the nursing practice and the provision of safe, ethical, and competent care. This means that when tasks are delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), the RN retains the responsibility for the overall coordination of care. Delegation must be done in accordance with established principles such as the RN's assessment of the patient's condition, the capabilities of the UAP, and the context of the care being provided. The overarching ethical principles in healthcare, such as the principle of autonomy and the principle of beneficence, play a significant role in guiding nurses' actions in clinical settings.