Final answer:
Delegation in nursing allows a nurse-manager to transfer the responsibility of administering medication to subordinate nursing staff, as it falls within their scope of practice under direct supervision. Tasks such as performing surgery, diagnosing patients, and developing treatment plans are beyond the scope of nursing practice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Delegation in nursing is an important management task that involves the transfer of responsibility for certain tasks from nurse-managers to subordinate nursing staff, while maintaining accountability for the outcome. Within the context of nursing and under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, certain tasks can be delegated to ensure efficient work distribution and optimal patient care. These tasks must be within the scope of practice of the subordinate staff and appropriate to their level of education, skills, and experience.
The correct answer to which task a nurse-manager can appropriately delegate is 1) Administering medication. This task can be undertaken by licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) under the nurse-manager's supervision. The delegation is appropriate as it aligns with the focus on providing specific treatments like dialysis treatments, monitoring patient's vital signs, and preparing solutions and equipment. Tasks such as 2) performing surgery, 3) diagnosing patients, and 4) developing treatment plans are beyond the scope of nursing practice and require the expertise of a physician or advanced practice provider.